Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 2024
Studies have been made of the changes in physical and chemical properties of kaolinite produced by doses of 0.667 meV gamma-radiation ranging from 1018 to 1022 eV/g of ferrous ion dosimetry solution. Changes were observed in the degree of crystallinity, specific surface area, particle size, cation exchange capacity, and grinding properties. These changes are discussed in terms of the observed atomic displacements produced in the kaolinite structure by the radiation. Gamma-irradiation appears to provide a method for obtaining controlled variations in certain properties of kaolinite without the introduction of other complicating parameters.