The synthesis of NaA type zeolites has been studied at autogenous pressure
using Chilean kaolins as starting materials. The ratios of SiO2/Al2O3, Na2O
/SiO2, H2O/Na2O have been set at 1.9 or 2.5, 0.6 or 1.0 and 50 or 90, respe
ctively. Reaction times have been 5 or 15 h and reaction temperature 80 or
100 degrees C. The influence of these parameters on the textural and struct
ural properties of the zeolite has been studied. All samples have been char
acterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron mi
croscopy, differential thermal analysis and cation exchange capacity. The b
est conditions for synthesis are: SiO2/Al2O3 = 2.5, Na2O/SiO2 = 1.0, H2O/Na
2O = 50 and 15 h reaction time at 100 degrees C. (C) 1999 Society of Chemic
al Industry.