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Selected applications of Rietveld-XRD analysis for raw materials of the aluminum industry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 May 2013

Frank R. Feret
Frank R. Feret*
Affiliation:
Feret Analytical Consulting 128, Des Fauvettes, Saint-Colomban, Québec, J5K 0E2Canada
*
a)Electronic mail: feretfr@gmail.com
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Abstract

In the last few decades, X-ray diffraction (XRD) systems have been paramount and irreplaceable in controlling bauxite exploration, as well as Bayer and reduction processes. XRD quantitative phase analysis in the aluminum industry witnessed a steady deployment of the Rietveld method, which at present progressively replaces existing methodologies in research and plant laboratories. Rietveld analysis not only helped to surpass traditional XRD calibration methods, it also opened the door for new applications previously not possible. The use of the Rietveld method to characterize selected materials unique to the aluminum industry, such as bauxite, red mud, and alumina is demonstrated and discussed. This paper also presents how synchrotron-based diffractograms obtained for bauxite and red mud samples allowed a much better understanding of mineralogical representation, and made it possible to leverage their Rietveld quantification. Despite clear advantages, the Rietveld method also has limitations that are revealed. For alumina phase quantification, a dedicated Rietveld analytical program was built with structure data for eight alumina mineralogical phases: alpha, beta (β-Al2O3 = Na2O•11Al2O3), delta, gamma (2), kappa, sigma, and theta. The paper gives unique examples of phase quantification in aluminas of various origins and phase composition.

Keywords

Bauxitered mudaluminaquartz in bauxitescrubber aluminaquantitative phase analysisX-ray diffractionRietveld refinement
Type
Technical Articles
Information
Powder Diffraction , Volume 28 , Issue 2 , June 2013 , pp. 112 - 123
Copyright
Copyright © International Centre for Diffraction Data 2013 

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