Calcination short notes
Answers
As per the popular definition, calcination is defined as the process of converting an ore into an oxide by heating it strongly. The ore is heated below its melting point either in absence of air or in a limited supply. This method is commonly used for converting carbonates and hydroxides to their respective oxides. During calcination, moisture and volatile impurities are also removed. Calcination can also be described as a thermal process that is used to convert ores and other solid materials by bringing about thermal decomposition. In calcination, reaction most of the time occurs at or above the thermal decomposition temperature.
Calcination is derived from a Latin word calcinare which translates as “to burn lime”. So, calcination is mostly used in the decomposition of limestone (calcium carbonate) to lime (calcium oxide) and carbon dioxide.
CaCo3 —> CaO + CO2
Meanwhile, the products that are derived from calcination are know as calcine, and it is regardless of actual compounds undergoing thermal treatment.