| Factors intervening in evaluating various microstructural characteristics
of clay minerals by X-ray microprobe technique, are elucidated.
Three vermiculite minerals of different origin have been studied by
both wave-length and energy-dispersive X-ray microprobes following
the novel pretreatment and analytical procedures. X-ray images, presented
here for vermiculites, heat treated at lower temperatures,
indicate homogeneity in elemental distribution. On the other hand,
samples which are treated at higher temperatures, show heterogeneity
in elemental distribution. Variations in elemental distribution with
rise in temperature have been explained in terms of the changes
occurring in the structure of the mineral. It is shown here that X-ray
microprobe technique is very effective in determination of trace
elements in clay mineral. |
