Physıcochemıcal propertıes and uses of karacaören area (nevşehir) dıatomıte

Abstract

In this study, physicochemical properties and the area of use of diatomites that occur in association with Central Anatolian volcanism in the Karacaoren region (Urgup country, Nevsehir) are investigated. In the investigated area two stratigraphic sections were measured, one is in Quaternary lake units (K1) and another section is in the lacustrine sediments of Bayramhacili Member within Urgup Formation of late Miocene-Pliocene age (K2). In order to specify physicochemical properties and the area of use of diato- mites, various analyses were carried out at the Laboratories of General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration including loss on ignition (at 1050 °C), XRD, amount of acid and water-insoluble matter, thermal conductivity (in the range of 101; 150 °C and ± 10 °C), XRF, pH, total porosity, specific gravity, specific surface area, pore volume, pore size, whiteness, particle size and SEM analysis. The evaluation of the analyses results showed that the studied diatomites have a commercial value and can be used directly in percolator, as filler and structuring agents and in silicate manufacturing. In addition, once processed, they can also be used as mild abrasive and cleaner in production of isolation material.