Comparative analysis of process parameters of talc mechanical activation in centrifugal and attrition mill

Abstract

The efficiency of talc mechanical activation by means of two different mechano-activators centrifugal and attrition mill is investigated in this study and the comparative analysis of the characteristics of obtained talc powders is presented. A new approach for obtaining high-grade talc concentrate with low Fe2O3 content is achieved through effect of mechanical activation of talc accompanied by hydrometallurgical process. The applied mechanical activation process conditions of ultra-centrifugal mill were defined by number of rotor revolutions, sieve mesh size, and current intensity. These operating parameters of the ultra-centrifugal mill were variable. Ultra fine grinding of talc in attrition mill (attritor) was carried out in various time intervals - from 5 to 15 min. The following technological parameters of the mechanical activation were monitored: time of mechanical activation, circumferential rotor speed, capacity of ultra-centrifugal mill, and specific energy consumption. The investigation was based on a kinetic model. The structure and behavior of activated samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and differential thermal analysis (DTA).