De-soda Process Using Silica for Fabrication of Low Soda Alumina Powder

Low soda alumina powder was fabricated using silica (${\alpha}$-quartz) as an agent for removing soda components in the alumina. Quartz powder 2 mm in size was added to aluminum hydroxide obtained through the Bayer process, and then the mixture was heated at various temperatures. Finally, the heat-treated powders were sieved for classification. In this study, the effects of the quartz amount and heating temperature on the mechanism of removing soda were examined. A minimum soda content of 0.005 wt% was observed at the conditions of 15 wt% quartz (based on $Al(OH)_3$ amount) heat-treated at $1600^{\circ}C$ for 8 h. The soda components, such as $Na_2O$, NaOH, and $Na_2CO_3$, in alumina were ionized and activated at high temperature, and this facilitated the reaction with quartz silica and alumina producing nepheline. The advantages of using quartz include low iron content and low cost in comparison with the conventional de-soda process using chamotte, another silicate mineral.