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We report on the mineralogy, petrography, and O and Al-Mg isotopic systematics of secondary mineralization in the metasomatically altered igneous Ca,Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) [compact type A (CTA), B1, B2, forsterite-bearing B (FoB), and C] from the CV3 carbonaceous chondrite Allende. This alteration affected mainly melilite, and to a lesser degree anorthite, and resulted in the formation of a variety of secondary minerals, including adrianite, Al-diopside, andradite, anorthite, calcite, celsian, clintonite, corundum, dmisteinbergite, ferroan olivine, ferroan monticellite, ferroan Al-diopside, forsterite, grossular, heazlewoodite, hedenbergite, hutcheonite, kushiroite, margarite, monticellite, Na-melilite, nepheline, pentlandite, pyrrhotite, sodalite, spinel, tilleyite, wadalite, and wollastonite. The secondary mineral assemblages are mainly defined by chemical compositions of the primary melilite replaced and elements introduced by an aqueous fluid. Gehlenitic melilite (Åk) in CTAs and mantles of B1s is mainly replaced by anorthite + grossular; clintonite, corundum, spinel, and Al-diopside are minor. Åkermanitic melilite (Åk35-90) in type B2s, FoBs, and cores of B1s is replaced by the grossular + monticellite + wollastonite, grossular + monticellite, and grossular + Al-diopside assemblages; forsterite, spinel, clintonite, and Na-melilite are minor. In type Cs, lacy melilite (åkermanitic melilite with rounded inclusions of anorthite) is pseudomorphically replaced by the grossular + forsterite + monticellite and grossular + Al-diopside assemblages; Na-melilite is minor. Primary and secondary anorthites in the peripheral portions of CAIs are replaced by nepheline, sodalite, and ferromagnesian olivine. Some CAIs contain voids and cracks filled by andradite, hedenbergite, wollastonite, ±sodalite, ±grossular, ±monticellite, ±tilleyite, and ±calcite. All CAIs studied are surrounded by Wark-Lovering rims, fine-grained matrix-like rims composed of lath-shaped ferroan olivine and abundant nepheline grains, and a layer of salite-hedenbergite pyroxenes + andradite + wollastonite. Grossular associating with monticellite, Al-diopside, and forsterite and replacing åkermanitic melilite (27Al/24Mg ~ 2) has high 27Al/24Mg ratios (30−100) and shows no resolvable excess of radiogenic 26Mg (26Mg*). The 27Al/24Mg ratios (7−10) and 26Mg* (2−3‰) in the nearly monomineralic grossular veins crosscutting gehlenitic melilite are similar to those of the host melilite and plot along a regression line with 26Al/27Al ratio of ~5×10−5. Oxygen isotopic compositions of secondary minerals in the most Type Bs measured in situ with the UH Cameca ims-1280 and matrix-matched standards plot along mass-dependent fractionation line with ∆17O of ~ −3±2‰ with δ18O ranging from ~0 to ~10‰. Primary melilite and anorthite in the host CAIs are similarly 16O-depleted, whereas spinel, forsterite, and most Al,Ti-diopside grains have 16O-rich compositions (∆17O ~ −25±2‰). Secondary grossular and forsterite in type Cs and type B1 CAI TS-34 show a range of ∆17O, from ~ −15 to ~ −1‰; the 16O-enriched compositions of grossular and forsterite plot along the carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral line. The similar ranges of ∆17O and positions on the three-isotope oxygen diagram are observed for primary anorthite; melilite is generally 16O-depleted compared to anorthite (∆17O ~ −5 to −1±2‰); spinel and fassaite are 16O-rich (except very Ti-rich fassaite in TS-34 and CTA CAIs). We conclude that Allende CAIs experienced an open-system in situ metasomatic alteration at relatively high temperatures (200-250 °C) in the presence of CO2- and H2O-bearing fluid with ∆17O of ~ −3±2‰ followed by thermal metamorphism at ~ 500 °C on the CV chondrite parent asteroid. During the alteration, most elements were mobile: Si, Na, Cl, K, Fe, S, and Ni were introduced; Al, Ti, Mg, and Ba were locally mobilized; Ca and some Mg and Al were lost from the host inclusions. The alteration occurred after nearly complete decay of 26Al, >3 Ma after crystallization of CAIs with the canonical (26Al/27Al)0 of (5.25±0.02)×10-5; 26Mg* in grossular was inherited from the primary melilite and provide no chronological significance. Oxygen isotopic heterogeneity of primary minerals in the Allende CAIs at least partly is due to isotopic exchange with an aqueous fluid that largely affected melilite, anorthite, perovskite, Zr- and Sc-rich oxides and silicates, and possibly very Ti-rich fassaite.

In the selective reduction process of lateritic nickel ore, the formation of the liquidus phase could be obtained by increasing the temperature and additive, resulting in an uneconomic process. Nevertheless, it could also be obtained by modifying the ore basicity by adding low-cost fluxes, such as CaO, SiO2, MgO, and Al2O3. In this work, the effect of three types of basicity (binary, ternary, and quaternary) in selective reduction of saprolitic nickel ore on metallic grade and recovery, phase transformation, and microstructure of ferronickel was investigated clearly. The nickel ore, sodium sulfate, coal, and flux mixture was reduced to 1150 °C for 60 min. Then, the wet magnetic separation process was continued to separate ferronickel from impurities. The result showed that the optimum basicity for the selective reduction of saprolitic nickel ore was 0.6 of ternary basicity (CaO + MgO/SiO2), modified by CaO addition. It produced 16.11% and 50.57% for nickel grade and recovery in concentrate, respectively. Modified basicity with CaO addition is more effective than MgO, Al2O3, and SiO2 addition due to its ability to break the forsterite structure and release iron and nickel. It also could be reacted with magnesium silicate structure to form calcium–magnesium silicate structure such as melilite and monticellite.

Sintered and fused magnesia (FM) produced from the macrocrystalline magnesite in China have attracted attention worldwide for the production of various refractories. Herein, dead burnt magnesia (DBM) with varying compositions was investigated. The results revealed that the periclase crystals of the DBM92 sample were subrounded to rounded euhedral, whereas the periclase crystals of the DBM95 sample were subhedral and idiomorphic. In addition, a significant amount of periclase–periclase bonding with straight boundaries was observed in the DBM97 sample. The periclase crystals of the DBM98 sample with no clear boundaries exhibited the densest packing among the samples. The silicate matrix around the periclase grains of the DBM92 sample contained forsterite and monticellite, whereas that around the periclase grains of the DBM95 sample was mainly composed of monticellite and merwinite. Dicalcium silicate and merwinite were observed in small amounts as interstitial phases in the DBM97 sample. In contrast, only dicalcium silicate, which was concentrated in small triangular pockets, was observed in the densely packed periclase grains of the DBM98 sample. The hot modulus of rupture tests revealed that an alkali-resistant DBM95-based brick can be prepared at a lime–silica ratio of

The aim of the present work is to characterize the phosphate sludge from the area of Youssoufia (rich in CaO ~ 31%) and to study its thermal behavior alone and when mixed with clay from Safi (Morocco). This may contribute to its valorization as an alternative raw material for ceramic industries. The evolution of phases during the thermal treatment of phosphate sludge, clay and sludge–clay mixtures at different mass ratios (25 wt%, 50 wt%, and 75 wt%) was performed at different levels of temperatures from 600 to 1120 °C. Mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the sludge mainly consisted of quartz, calcite, dolomite, and francolite. Dolomite and calcite vanished after sludge heating and two new phases were formed, namely akermanite and monticellite. For clay, it mainly consisted of illite, kaolinite, quartz, calcite, and dolomite. After clay sintering at high temperature, a new phase was formed, i.e. anorthite. The effects of the MO/SiO2 ratio (MO = CaO + MgO) in mixtures (clay + sludge) on the crystallization behavior of diopside and fluorapatite, and the disappearance of the akermanite were investigated. The results showed that the crystallization of diopside–fluorapatite increased when the MO/SiO2 ratio increased. Resumen: El objetivo del presente trabajo es caracterizar un lodo de fosfato del área de Youssoufia (rico en CaO ~ 31%) y estudiar su comportamiento térmico tras su mezcla con una arcilla de Safi (Marruecos). Este estudio puede contribuir a su valorización como materia prima alternativa para la industria cerámica. La evolución de las fases minerales durante el tratamiento térmico de lodos de fosfato, arcilla y mezclas de lodos y arcilla en diferentes proporciones de masa (25, 50 y 75% de peso) se realizó a diferentes temperaturas, desde 600 a 1.120 °C. El análisis por difracción de rayos X (DRX) permitió conocer la composición mineralógica del lodo formado principalmente por cuarzo, calcita, dolomita y francolita. La dolomita y la calcita desaparecieron tras el calentamiento del lodo y se formaron 2 nuevas fases, a saber, akermanita y monticellita. En cuanto a la arcilla, el análisis mineralógico evideció la presencia de illita, caolinita, cuarzo, calcita y dolomita como fases mayoritarias. Tras la descomposicón de la arcilla se formó anortita como fase de alta temperatura. Se investigaron los efectos de la relación MO/SiO2 (MO = CaO + MgO) en mezclas (arcilla + lodo) sobre la cristalización de diópsido y fluorapatita y la desaparición de la akermanita. Los resultados mostraron que la cristalización de diopsido-fluorapatita aumentó cuando creció el cociente MO/SiO2.

This study aimed to investigate extensively the full phase formation mechanism from the lowest temperature to form the phases to the optimum temperature to crystallize akermanite. The effects of various milling speeds and sintering temperatures on physico-mechanical properties of akermanite prepared using high-energy planetary milling method were also investigated. The minimum formation temperature of akermanite phase (above 800°C) was determined by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis. XRD analysis revealed akermanite had formed through gradual phase development with the increase in temperature. Below 700C, akermanite was structurally unstable while multiple transient compounds (low clinoenstatite, wollastonite, monticellite, and diopside) coexisted, as indicated by low peak intensities. Single phase akermanite was obtained by heat-treating at 1100C. Physical studies suggested the densest akermanite ceramic feature, with tensile strength range of 25.26 ± 1.41 MPa32.10 ± 2.13 MPa and Vickers microhardness range of 1.39 ± 0.04 GPa4.94 ± 0.26 GPa could be obtained at 1250°C.

The rich mineral resources of magnesite have been decreasing rapidly, while the low-grade magnesite is abandoned, and the requirement on utilization of low-grade magnesite is causing much attention. La2O3 has been introduced as an additive in this study, considering its positive role in the modification of the magnesia matrix. Low-grade magnesite containing 0–3 wt% La2O3 was fired at 1550 °C for 3 h. The effect of La2O3 on the microstructural evolution and thermomechanical property of sintered low-grade magnesite was investigated. The results showed that La2O3 markedly improve the microstructure of sintered low-grade magnesite. The distribution state of the low melting monticellite phases among the periclase grains evolved from distribute continuously to concentrate in isolation at the triple-point junction of the periclase grains, and the generated CaO·3SiO2·2La2O3 based dendrites phases interlaced in the magnesia matrix. The hot modulus of rupture (HMOR) was significantly enhanced with increasing addition of La2O3 due to the low-melting monticellite phases were transformed to CaO·3SiO2·2La2O3 phases based dendrites with large aspect ratio, effectively reducing the availability of monticellite. Besides, the bridging phenomenon resulting due to the dendritic phase exhibited an optimal toughening effect, attributing to the increase in crack deflection and resistance to crack propagation.

A major debris flow, the Trig Point Hill flow, originating from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania) contains numerous blocks of extrusive/pyroclastic carbonatites similar to those exposed at the rim of the currently inactive crater. The blocks of calcite carbonatite consist of: (1) large clasts of corroded and altered coarse grained calcite; (2) primary prismatic inclusion bearing phenocrystal calcite; and (3) a matrix consisting primarily of fine-grained prismatic calcite. The large clasts are inclusion free and exhibit a ‘corduroy-like’ texture resulting from solution along cleavage planes. The resulting voids are filled by brown Fe–Mn hydroxides/oxides and secondary calcite. The prismatic or lath-shaped phenocrystal calcite is not altered and contains melt inclusions consisting principally of primary Na–Ca carbonates which contain earlier-formed crystals of monticellite, periclase, apatite, Mn–Mg-magnetite, Mn–Fe-sphalerite and Nb-perovskite. Individual Na–Ca carbonate inclusions are of uniform composition, and the overall range of all inclusions analysed (wt.%) is from 28.7 to 35.9 CaO; 16.7–23.6 Na2O; 0.5–2.8 K2O, with minor SO3 (1.1–2.2) and SrO (0.34–1.0). The Na–Ca carbonate compositions are similar to that of shortite, although this phase is not present. The Na–Ca carbonates are considered to be primary deuteric phases and not secondary minerals formed after nyerereite. Monticellite shows limited compositional variation and contains 2–4 wt.% MnO and 12 wt.% FeO and is Mn-poor relative to monticellite in Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite. Periclase is Fe-bearing with up to 13 wt.% FeO. Spinels are Cr-free, Mn-poor and belong to the magnetite–magnesioferrite series in contrast to Mn-rich spinels of the magnetite–jacobsite series occurring in Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite. The matrix in which the ‘corduroy’ clasts and phenocrystal calcite are set consists of closely packed small prisms of calcite lacking melt inclusions, with interstitial fine-grained apatite, baryte, strontianite and minor fluorite. Pore spaces are filled with secondary Mn–Fe hydroxides/oxides, anhydrite and gypsum. The hypothesis that flow-aligned calcite in volcanic calciocarbonatites from Kerimasi, Tinderet, Homa and Catanda is altered nyerereite is discussed and it is considered that these calcite are either primary phases or altered melilite. The nyerereite alteration hypothesis is discussed with respect to the volumetric and compositional aspects of pseudomorphism by dissolution–precipitation replacement mechanisms. This study concludes that none of the volcanic calciocarbonatites containing flow-aligned calcite phenocrysts are altered natrocarbonatite.

Oxygen side-blown reducing smelting is an efficient and environment-friendly technology to directly process the liquid high-lead slag, but it shows high refractory wear during industrial practice. To understand the specific degradation mechanisms, a post-mortem analysis of magnesia-chromite refractory bricks (fused-grain rebonded type) taken from the tuyeres of the furnace was performed by SEM and phase diagram. According to the results, typical reaction zone and infiltrated zone were formed between the hot face and the original refractory. The fast and deep infiltration of PbO-containing fayalite slag under turbulent conditions was responsible for the significant dissolution of periclase grains, which caused the development of a continuous and thick forsterite layer. Meanwhile, the components of FeO and ZnO in the slag were mainly absorbed by the chromite grains. Then the increased CaO/SiO2 of the slag resulted in the large formation of monticellite in the infiltrated zone. Based on these results, the key reasons for the high wear of refractory lining were revealed and several possible solutions were also proposed.

This paper investigated the oxidation of fayalite (Fe2SiO4) in iron-rich nickel slag (INS) for iron recycling via an oxidation-magnetic separation method. A phase stability diagram of the FeO–SiO2–MgO–CaO–O2 system drawn by FactSage 7.1 illustrates that magnetite (Fe3O4) can be crystallized from liquid slag in an air atmosphere, but the further oxidation to Fe2O3 in molten slag was extremely hard. The mass content of divalent iron (w(Fe2+)) decreased and the ratio of trivalent iron to divalent iron (w(Fe3+)/w(Fe2+)) increased gradually with increasing oxidation time. The results show that an air flow rate of 300–500 mL/min, a basicity of 0.90–1.10, and a temperature of 1658–1728 K are conducive to the oxidation of Fe2SiO4 in INS. Fe3O4 is the main iron-bearing phase, and Fe2O3 is not observed in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Silicates in the oxidized nickel slag (ONS) are mainly augite (Ca(Mg,Fe)Si2O6), forsterite ((Mg,Fe)2SiO4), and monticellite (CaMgSiO4), while akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) is observed only for a basicity up to 1.10. The oxidation kinetics of Fe2SiO4 in INS are first order with an apparent activation energy (Ea) of 315.16 kJ/mol.

Colloidal silica has been utilized as a binder agent in various areas owing to its sinterability and high permeability. However, regarding its use in MgO–CaO hot gunning mixes are lacking. In this study, phase compositions and physical properties of different colloidal silica contents on hot gunning mixes were investigated. The rebound loss rate of hot gunning mixes at 1100 °C was also evaluated via thermal simulation. In addition, the interface analysis between the gunned layer and Mag-Chrome bricks was presented, and the results were compared with those obtained using conventional phosphate-bonded mixes. The results indicate that the colloidal silica-bonded MgO–CaO hot gunning mixes achieve the appropriate mechanical strength and bulk density with 5 wt% of colloidal silica; the primary phases of mixes were forsterite and monticellite. In comparison with the conventional phosphate-bonded gunning mixes, the use of colloidal silica led to better physical properties and lower rebound loss rate under the present experimental conditions. Moreover, the gunned layers obtained were more compact and cohesive than the ones prepared using conventional phosphate-bonded mixes.

A thermochemical study of natural calcium and magnesium orthosilicate monticellite (Ca1.00Mg0.95$${\text{Fe}}_{{0.05}}^{{2 + }}$$)[SiO4] from the Khabarovsk Territory, Russia, was carried out on a Tian–Calvet microcalorimeter. The enthalpy of formation from elements Δf$$H_{{{\text{el}}}}^{^\circ }$$(298.15 K) = –2238.4 ± 4.5 kJ/mol was determined by high-temperature melt solution calorimetry. The enthalpy and Gibbs energy of formation of monticellite of theoretical composition of CaMg[SiO4] are calculated: Δf$$H_{{{\text{el}}}}^{^\circ }$$(298.15 K) = –2248.4 ± 4.5 kJ/mol and Δf$$G_{{{\text{el}}}}^{^\circ }$$(298.15 K) = –2130.5 ± 4.5 kJ/mol.

Actuality of steel-making slags utilization is stipulated not only by the necessity to improve ecology situation at the sites of slag piles, but also by a possibility to obtain additional raw materials for metallurgical production. Increase of the domestic iron-containing raw materials at Magnitogorsky steel-works can be done by more effective processing of steel-making slags. To improve the technology of BOF slags processing, a work done to study their chemical and mineral composition. It was established, that primary and secondary BOF slags are attributed to basic and ultra-basic, since the SiO2 mass share is less than 25–40%. Petrographic study results and data of IR-spectroscopy showed, that larnite, alite, monticellite and oxide RO-phase (Fe2+, Mn2+, Mg2+)O are main mineral components of the BOF slags. In many cases, the structure of the secondary BOF slags has middle-size grains, and the structure of primary slags is fine-grained. The texture of the secondary and primary slag is more often massive. The BOF slags have globules of iron, the size of which varies from sub-millimeters up to 5 mm. Study of influence of various methods of BOF slag particles destruction on the degree of globules disclosure showed, that application of centrifugal-striking crushing facilities provides more selective globules disclosure comparing with other methods. It was proved, that dry magnetic separation in suspended state, due to its peculiarities, provides higher technological indices comparing with drum separator when separating fine slags even at increase material moisture up to 5%.

Djerfisherite in the monticellite rocks of the Krestovskaya Intrusion is found in primary melt inclusions, mono- and polysulfide globules, and in the djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations. Melt inclusions are represented by three types. Type I is observed in the cores of perovskite phenocrysts and monticellite grains and corresponds to one of the early crystallization stages of the parental larnite-normative alkali ultrabasic magma enriched in water and other volatiles. Daughter phases of the inclusions are clinopyroxene, serpentine, phlogopite, apatite, nepheline, hydrogarnet, magnetite, djerfisherite, pectolite, and calcite. In some type I inclusions, melt at 1230–1250°C was immiscibly split into two fractions: alkali silicate fraction and highly fluidized water-bearing low-silica fraction enriched in alkali, sulfur, and CO2. The types II and III inclusions in perovskite, monticellite, Ti-garnet, and melilite were formed through the spatial separation of immiscible phases. This follows from the similarity of the modal composition of types II and III melt inclusions to the normative composition of immiscible fractions of type I inclusions. Type II inclusions contain mainly water-bearing silicate daughter phases (hydrogarnet, serpentine, phlogopite, and pectolite), as well as djerfisherite, calcite, and magnetite, Type III inclusions contain clinopyroxene, nepheline, apatite, magnetite, djerfisherite, calcite, and pectolite. The djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations are confined to the Ti-magnetite and perovskite phenocrysts and fractures radiating from them in monticellite. The mineral composition of the djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations together with their surrounding is similar to the composition of type II inclusions containing similar water-bearing silicates, djerfisherite, calcite, and magnetite. Such similarity gives grounds to relate the formation of the djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations, as type II inclusions, with the spatial separation and crystallization of highly fluidized low-silica melt enriched in water, alkalis, sulfur, and CO2. According to the homogenization experiment, the crystallization of highly fluidized melt at 990–1090°C was accompanied by silicate–sulfide immiscibility and the formation of globular, emulsion-like, and myrmekite structures in the djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations, as well as mono- and polysulfide globules with djerfisherite in the hydrogarnet–calcite–serpentine substrate. The formation of ferrobrucite–carbonate–hydrogarnet globules in the djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations was also related to melt liquation, which again confirms the magmatic origin of the latter. Sometimes, djerfisherite in the djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations becomes coarser and forms rims, bands, and veinlets, which is likely explained by the high mobility and low viscosity of sulfide melt. Scarce grains of heazlewoodite, godlevskite, and pentlandite hosted in the djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations frequently have the same shape as djerfisherite, which indirectly suggests their simultaneous crystallization from the same melt. The chemical composition of the djerfisherite from mono- and polysulfide globules, djerfisherite–hydrogarnet segregations, and type I inclusions, as most Yakutian kimberlites, is characterized by the high (12.1–16.7 wt %) Ni and low (0.1–0.9 wt %) Cu contents. The composition of the djerfisherite from types II and III inclusions differs in the lowered (3.3–1.6 wt %) Ni and elevated (40.9–53.2 wt %) Fe contents; type III inclusions have high Cu content: from 7.6 to 10.6 wt %.

Treatment of bone defects requires materials or bone cement with superior mechanical properties and favorable biological properties, but this remains unachievable to date. To address this issue, the present study aimed to synthesize and characterize a novel poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement containing monticellite (Mon) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for bone defect treatment. Considerably better mechanical properties were noted in the PMMA-Mon-CNT vs. PMMA and PMMA-Mon bone cements due to the unique resistance of CNTs to crack formation and propagation. Favorable bioactivity was also found in the bone cements containing Mon and CNTs, whereas the PMMA bone cement presented poor bioactivity. Specifically, the incorporation of Mon and CNTs into the PMMA matrix promoted the attachment of MG63 cells compared to the PMMA cement. Thus, the PMMA-Mon-CNT bone cements developed are good potential candidates for filling bone defects in orthopedic surgeries.

In this study, monticellite (CaMgSiO4) ceramic was successfully synthesized by a sol–gel method. The degradation test was evaluated through the weight loss of the CaMgSiO4 ceramic during immersion in Tris–HCl buffer solution. In vitro apatite-formation ability of the CaMgSiO4 ceramic was investigated by soaking in the simulated body fluid (SBF), and the deposited hydroxyapatite (HAp) after soaking was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The results showed that the CaMgSiO4 ceramic had a low degradation rate. Furthermore, CaMgSiO4 ceramic showed good apatite-formation ability, HAp layer constituted by needle-like crystallites was investigated on CaMgSiO4 ceramic surface after soaking in SBF solution.

This work prepared novel monticellite-ciprofloxacin (Mon-CPFX) scaffolds with different concentrations of CPFX (0, 1, 3, and 6%) via the space holder method. The Mon-CPFX scaffolds had a compressive strength of 1 ± 0.1 MPa, porosity of 81–83%, and pore size of 300–420 μm. The formation of hydroxyapatite on the Mon-CPFX scaffold surfaces was observed after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 28 d, with a Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.62 indicating high apatite formation ability. Antibacterial tests indicated the antibacterial effect of Mon-CPFX scaffolds is strongly related to the CPFX concentration; the greatest bacterial inhibition was observed for the scaffold containing 6% CPFX. Furthermore, an MTT assay illustrated that Mon scaffold loading with up to 3% CPFX resulted in higher cell viability, cell proliferation, and attachment than for scaffolds containing 6% CPFX. This particular novel type of multifunctional Mon-CPFX scaffold could be considered for bone infection treatment owing to its suitable compressive strength along with excellent bioactivity, antibacterial performance, and biocompatibility.

The preparation of MgO bearing iron ore pellets in the mini and pilot scales, and the application for 4070m3 blast furnace were conducted in this paper. The results show that with increasing the MgO content, the compressive strength of fired pellets decreased significantly, while the metallurgical performances, such as RI (reducibility index), RDI (reduction degradation index) and RSI (reduction swelling index) were improved. The scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometry was used to test the microstructures and the compositions of iron oxide, and the slag of pellets. With increasing the MgO content, MgO exists in the form of magnesium ferrite and monticellite, which presents the high melting temperature, decreasing the content of liquid phase. The pilot scale experiment was performed on a commercial running grate-rotary kiln with the annual output of 2.4 million tons of pellets, which agrees with the results obtained in the mini scale experiment. The application of MgO-bearing pellets was carried out in the 4070 m3 blast furnace of Meisteel China, and the production indexes improved with increasing the yield and reducing the coke ratio, and the total benefits are 7067 USD/d, which presents the superior economic benefits.

Biodegradable magnesium alloy was coated by nanostructured monticellite (Mon; CaMgSiO4) through electrophoretic deposition (EPD) coupled with plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with the purpose of enhancing the corrosion properties, bioactivity, and cytocompatibility. The monticellite layer with a thickness of 15 μm and strong adhesion with the PEO coated Mg alloy is able to provide the corrosion protection for the Mg substrate. Microstructural analysis depicted that the monticellite coatings were homogeneous with no obvious cracks or pinholes on the surface of PEO coated Mg alloy. The electrochemical tests in SBF exhibited that the corrosion rate of the Mg alloy was considerably reduced after preparation of monticellite layer on its surface. Furthermore, high impedance of the monticellite coated Mg alloy was observed even after 96 h of incubation in SBF. The apatite layer with spherical morphology was formed on the monticellite surface via interaction of OH− ions from SBF which could accelerate the healing process. The biocompatibility was evaluated via examination of the osteoblastic MG-63 cells response in-vitro. Deposition of nanostructured monticellite induces high osteoblastic proliferation and supplies suitable sites for cell attachment and growth. The cell adhesion and viability are also determined to evaluate the biological response. Moreover, biphasic drug release graphs of the monticellite coating containing tetracycline show an initial immediate release which is followed by more stable release patterns. Overall, it is anticipated that the novel proposed nanostructured coatings of monticellite can improve the corrosion resistance and cytocompatability of the Mg alloys, which make it useful for orthopedic implants.

The Benfontein kimberlite is a renowned example of a sill complex and provides an excellent opportunity to examine the emplacement and evolution of intrusive kimberlite magmas. We have undertaken a detailed petrographic and melt inclusion study of the Benfontein Upper, Middle and Lower sills. These sills range in thickness from 0.25 to 5 m. New perovskite and baddeleyite U/Pb dating produced ages of 85.7 ± 4.4 Ma and 86.5 ± 2.6 Ma, respectively, which are consistent with previous age determinations and indicate emplacement coeval with other kimberlites of the Kimberley cluster. The Benfontein sills are characterised by large variations in texture (e.g., layering) and mineral modal abundance between different sill levels and within individual samples. The Lower Sill is characterised by carbonate-rich diapirs, which intrude into oxide-rich layers from underlying carbonate-rich levels. The general paucity of xenogenic mantle material in the Benfontein sills is attributed to its separation from the host magma during flow differentiation during lateral spreading. The low viscosity is likely responsible for non-explosive emplacement of the Benfontein sills, while the rhythmic layering is attributed to multiple magma injections. The Benfontein sills are marked by the excellent preservation of olivine and groundmass mineralogy, which is composed of monticellite, spinel, perovskite, baddeleyite, ilmenite, apatite, calcite, dolomite along with secondary serpentine and glagolevite [NaMg6[Si3AlO10](OH,O)8•H2O]. This is the first time glagolevite is reported in kimberlites. Groundmass spinel exhibits atoll-textures and is composed of a magnesian ulvospinel – magnetite (MUM) or chromite core, surrounded by occasional pleonaste and a rim of Mg-Al-magnetite. We suggest that pleonaste crystallised as a magmatic phase, but was resorbed back into the residual host melt and/or removed by alteration. Analyses of secondary inclusions in olivine and primary inclusions in monticellite, spinel, perovskite, apatite and interstitial calcite are largely composed of Ca-Mg carbonates and, to a lesser extent, alkali-carbonates and other phases. These inclusions probably represent the entrapment of variably differentiated parental kimberlite melts, which became progressively more enriched in carbonate, alkalis, halogens and sulphur during crystal fractionation. Carbonate-rich diapirs from the Lower Sill contain more exotic phase assemblages (e.g., Ba-Fe titanate, barite, ancylite, pyrochlore), which probably result from the extreme differentiation of residual kimberlite melts followed by physical separation and isolation from the parental carbonate-rich magma. It is likely that any alkali or halogen rich minerals crystallising in the groundmass were removed from the groundmass during syn−/post-magmatic alteration, or in the case of Na, remobilised to form secondary glagolevite. The Benfontein sill complex therefore provides a unique example of how the composition of kimberlites may be modified after magma emplacement in the upper crust.

Lizardite rich peridotite has never been used to prepare ceramic specimens, especially in Morocco. For this raison, potential use of naturally abundant lazirditic material from the Rif domain, as a supply for ceramic industry, has been evaluated. The effects of lizardite addition to magnesite and dolomite mixtures on the thermomechanical properties of the calcined ceramics were also detailed. To achieve this target, natural lizardite, magnesite and dolomite samples were collected in ultrabasic Beni Bousra massif. Those raw samples were used for the synthesis of a forsterite-monticellite rich ceramics. Both raw and sintered samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and fourier transform infrared. The obtained results showed that both magnesite and dolomite were mainly composed of MgCO3 and CaCO3. In contrast, lizardite sample showed high amounts of SiO2, MgO and Fe2O3. An increased amount of lizardite in the initial mixtures enhanced mechanical and dimensional properties of the prepared ceramic specimens, and subsequently, the production of ceramics with the required technological properties. Thus, the preparation of Moroccan lizardite-based ceramics is technically feasible, economically justifiable and socially desirable due to the contribution to the economic growth of the raw materials sector, especially ceramic industry.

In vitro activity is important when considering the choice of a multiphasic bioceramic scaffold as phases can dissolve or transform at different rates. The aim of this study is focused on the synthesis and in vitro analysis of multiphasic ceramics obtained from the melt by directional solidification. Depending on the growth rate of the new composition different bioactive phases coexist in the same sample: akermanite, monticellite, tricalcium phosphate and Nurse's A phase, all of them with potential in the medical area as implant for bone or dental repair. With the knowledge of what and how phases dissolve first, it was possible to design materials to get porous scaffolds or more stable ceramics., The authors would like to acknowledge the use of Servicio General de Apoyo en la Investigación- SAI, Universidad de Zaragoza. BMM wants to acknowledge the financial support awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the grant PID2019-103847RJ-I00, as well as the one provided by the Regional government of the ‘Junta de Andalucía’ through the project P18-RTJ-1972.

Focused on uncoated ceramics, this tutorial paper is divided into two main sections. The first section deals with the operational phases required prior to firing (drying, piling, fuel supply). Then, the second chapter deals with the transformations that occur in the clayey paste during firing. An overall understanding of the firing process includes several issues to be considered and properly investigated. Thereafter, the thermal behaviour of several mineralogical phases (calcite and dolomite; quartz and cristobalite; K-feldspar and plagioclase; rutile and anatase; haematite, maghemite, hercynite and metallic Fe; illite, muscovite, biotite and chlorite; wollastonite, melilite, anorthite and monticellite; diopside and kaolinite) is described. Four brief chapters are further dedicated to the development of the amorphous/glassy component, to the matrix and its porosity, to the colour and the organic matter and to the variations in chemical composition, respectively. The concluding remarks provide a short list of the analytical techniques that have been commonly applied to the investigation of firing conditions and a concise summary of the state of the art of the “firing issue”. The method to be applied in future experimental reproductions and the opportunity itself to investigate the “firing issue” in various contexts are further discussed.

Ferronickel tailings, by-products from nickel laterite direct reduction-magnetic separation process, are now stored up in large quantities with low utilization because of the high MgO content. In this paper, ferronickel tailing with 5.82% Fe, 0.51% Ni, 44.08% SiO2, and 31.98% MgO was adopted to replace the traditional Mg-bearing flux, i.e. serpentine. The laboratory pot sintering tests show that, this new technique increases sinter productivity and tumble index by 4.12% and 10.63%, respectively, and reduces solid fuel rate by 6.35%. The mineralogical study of product sinter shows that the addition of ferronickel tailing contributes to the increase of the amount of SFCA by 4.03%. Mg and Al elements were found to migrate into magnetite grains to form three types of spinel solid solutions, i.e. (Fe, Mg)Fe2O4, Fe (Fe, Al)2O4, and (Fe, Mg)·(Fe, Al)2O4. Meanwhile, eutectic compound melts were obtained by the co-melting of kirschsteinite (CaO·FeO·SiO2), monticellite (CaO·MgO·SiO2), and fayalite (2FeO·SiO2).

Kimberlites are pipe-like igneous bodies, consisting of a pyroclastic crater and diatreme, commonly underlain by coherent root-zone rocks, and with associated dyke/sill complexes. The processes that control the different modes of coherent kimberlite emplacement remain uncertain. In addition, late evolution of kimberlite melts during emplacement into the upper crust remains poorly constrained. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is a link between melt composition/evolution and the emplacement mechanism of coherent kimberlites (i.e. planar dykes/sills vs. irregular bodies in the root zone). An absence of comparative studies on late-stage magmatic phases across the different emplacement modes of coherent kimberlite from the same locality hamper resolution of these issues. Therefore, we report petrographic and mineral chemical data for groundmass apatite in samples of dyke, sill, and root-zone kimberlites from the Kimberley cluster (South Africa). Early crystallised phases (olivine, spinel, Mg-ilmenite) in dyke/sill and root-zone kimberlites have indistinguishable compositions, and hence crystallised from similar primitive melts. Conversely, apatite compositions are generally distinct in dyke/sill (low Sr, high and variable Si) and root-zone kimberlites (high and variable Sr, low Si). The Si enrichment of apatite in dykes/sills is attributed to the coupled incorporation of CO32− and SiO44− for PO43−, reflecting higher CO2 contents in their parental melts, and potentially higher Si contents due to the preferential crystallisation of carbonates over mica/monticellite. The low Sr contents of apatite in dyke/sill kimberlites reflect equilibrium with a (kimberlite) melt (i.e. DSr is close to unity for carbonate and silicate melts), whereas the higher Sr contents of apatite in root-zone kimberlites require crystallisation from, or overprinting by a H2O ± CO2 fluid (significantly higher DSr). The relative enrichment of CO2 in kimberlite dykes/sills is evident from the abundance of carbonates, the presence of mesostasis dolomite and calcite phenocrysts in some samples, and concomitant reduced proportions of other groundmass phases (e.g. serpentine, mica, monticellite). During late alteration of kimberlite dykes/sills, monticellite is typically replaced by carbonates, whereas olivine and pleonaste are relatively stable, indicating the melts which form dykes/sills evolve to higher CO2/H2O ratios. It is unlikely that these two distinct evolutionary paths were caused by crustal contamination before or during near surface magma emplacement, because crustal assimilation is not recorded in the O and Sr isotopic composition of late crystallising olivine rinds or carbonates, respectively. We suggest that higher concentrations of CO2 are retained in kimberlite dykes/sills due to higher confining pressures (i.e. lack of breakthrough to the surface). In contrast, exsolution of CO2 from root-zone kimberlites increased melt H2O/CO2 ratios and promoted the crystallisation of mica and monticellite at the expense of dolomite and calcite. Apatite compositions have the potential to aid in the discrimination of kimberlites from lamproites (higher LREE, Sr, F, and S, lower Si contents) and carbonatites (higher LREE, F, Cl and S, lower Fe contents). However, the compositions of kimberlitic apatite overlap those from aillikites, probably due to similar late-stage melt compositions.

The effect of particle size and phosphorous content in biomineralization media on in vitro bioactivity of monticellite based ceramic powders was investigated. Monticellite based ceramic powder was synthesized at 800 °C for 4 h using boron derivative waste. Monticellite based ceramic powder, comprising monticellite, akermanite, diopside, calcium magnesium borate and zeolite LTA crystalline phases, was crushed and then ball-milled for optimized time to obtain lowest average particle size and the narrowest particle size distribution. In vitro bioactivity of both coarse (d10: 0.5 μm, d50: 3.0 μm, d90: 42 μm) and fine (d10: 0.5 μm, d50: 1.4 μm, d90: 4.8 μm) wafers was determined by incubation in Lactated Ringer's Solution and Human Blood Plasma for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days at 36.5 ± 0.5 °C. The obtained results exhibited that calcite (CaCO3) layer after immersion in Lactated Ringer's Solution and bone-like apatite layer after immersion in Human Blood Plasma were formed on the surface of coarse and fine wafers. The presence of phosphorus in biomineralization media is necessary for apatite formation. The increment of surface roughness favors homogeneous nucleation, and fasten nucleation and growth kinetics of precipitation. As a result, the bioactive characteristic of monticellite based ceramic powder could be governed by the particle size. Resumen: Se investigó el efecto del tamaño de partícula y el contenido de fósforo en los medios de biomineralización sobre la bioactividad in vitro de polvos cerámicos a base de monticellita. El polvo cerámico a base de monticellita se sintetizó a 800 °C durante 4 h utilizando residuos de derivados de boro. El polvo cerámico a base de monticellita, que comprende monticellita, akermanita, diópsido, borato de calcio y magnesio y fases cristalinas de zeolita LTA se trituró, y luego se molió con bola durante un tiempo optimizado para obtener el tamaño de partícula promedio más bajo y la distribución de tamaño de partícula más estrecha. La bioactividad in vitro de obleas gruesas (d10: 0.5 μm, d50: 3.0 μm, d90: 42 μm) y finas (d10: 0.5 μm, d50: 1.4 μm, d90: 4.8 μm) se determinó mediante incubación en solución de Ringer lactato y plasma sanguíneo humano durante 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 y 28 días a 36,5 ± 0,5 °C. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la capa de calcita (CaCO3) después de la inmersión en la solución de Ringer lactato y la capa de apatita similar a un hueso después de la inmersión en plasma sanguíneo humano se formaron en la superficie de obleas gruesas y finas. La presencia de fósforo en los medios de biomineralización es necesaria para la formación de apatita. El incremento de la rugosidad de la superficie favorece la nucleación homogénea y fija la cinética de nucleación y crecimiento de la precipitación. Como resultado, la característica bioactiva del polvo cerámico a base de monticellita podría estar gobernada por el tamaño de partícula.

Oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) conditions were established for Três Ranchos IV (TR-IV, diamond-bearing) and Limeira I (LM-I, barren) kimberlite intrusions, in Alto Paranaíba Alkaline Province, to constrain a possible correlation between fO2 and diamond instability. Temperature and pressure estimates obtained from the xenocryst assemblage composition are compatible up to garnet lherzolite levels. It suggests that both intrusions could cross the diamond-stability field. The ƒO2 of the TR-IV constrained by perovskite oxygen barometry presents an average value of -2.4 for ΔNNO, with standard deviation of 1.30 (n = 120), whereas those calculations for LM-I have an average value of -1.31 for ΔNNO, with standard deviation of 1.38 (n = 81). Considering these uncertainties, there is an important superposition of fO2 values for both intrusions, in which there is higher tendency of more reduced conditions for TR-IV. For the LM-I, an oxybarometer based on the composition of monticellite yielded a similar ΔNNO range: -4.2 and +2.5. Some crystals and samples present trends towards more reduced conditions, while others display more oxidized conditions for each intrusion. Due to the superposition of ranges and absence of a preferential trend, the influence of fO2 for the possible instability of diamonds in the study area remains uncertain.

Monticellite is a calcium-magnesium based material with better bioactivity, high mechanical strength, cytocompatibility and osteointegration. Sol-gel assisted combustion technique was adopted to prepare pure monticellite phase by using three different fuels (citric acid, glycine and urea). The influence of different fuels on material properties of monticellite was analyzed with the aid of XRD, SEM, TEM and AFM techniques. The XRD patterns revealed that among the three fuels examined, glycine and urea resulted in pure monticellite phase at 1200°C while citric acid derived monticellite showed akermanite as secondary phase. Morphological analysis such as SEM and TEM micrographs of monticellite showed spherical beads like structure with agglomeration of particles and the particle size lies in the micron regime. Atomic force microscope image shows high surface roughness for the monticellite prepared by using urea as a fuel.

Solid-state synthesis of monticellite based ceramic powders from boron derivative waste in an eco-friendly route and the investigation of phase transformation mechanisms were studied. The heat-treatment of boron derivative waste, mainly composed of dolomite, calcite and quartz, was systematically carried out at 650 degrees C and 800 degrees C for various dwell times between 1 min and 4 h. The heat-treatment temperatures were selected considering TG-DTA curves of waste and Delta G - T diagrams obtained using FactSage Thermochemical Software. XRF, XRD, FTIR, TG-DTA and SEM analysis, particle size measurement and crystallite size determination carried out extensively. The obtained results showed that monticellite based ceramic powder synthesized at 800 degrees C for 4 h was composed of monticellite, akermanite, diopside, calcium magnesium borate and zeolite. The calcination of dolomite was completed both at 650 degrees C for 1 h and up to 800 degrees C, and calcite was decomposed at 800 degrees C for 30 min. Both diopside and monticellite were firstly detected at 650 degrees C for 30 min and at 800 degrees C for 1 min. Also, akermanite was presented at 800 degrees C for 1 min. The presented method offers the lowest temperature (800 degrees C) in literature for synthesis of monticellite and akermanite which reduces the energy consumption during heat-treatment. (C) 2018 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Processing of magnesia based ceramic by unidirectional dry pressing from Moroccan magnesite is described. The applied magnesite was characterized in terms of its composition, granulometric analysis, surface specific area, and thermal behavior. After appropriate processing, the prepared specimens were fired at various temperatures up to 1350 °C to study the ceramic properties. The ceramic material resulted after firing was investigated regarding the phases composition, structural characteristics, and physical properties of technological interest. On this way, the production of materials having interesting properties such as shrinkage, porosity, density, flexural strength, toughness, dielectric constant, and thermal conductivity is achieved. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the ceramic sample is composed of periclase as major phase and monticellite and calcium alumino-ferrite as minor phases. The content of amorphous phase that governs the sample properties varies between 26.5 and 31%. Thermal shock tests realized in water showed that the ceramic sample presents good thermal shock resistance. The results revealed that Moroccan magnesite has qualities necessary for the manufacture of ceramic products.

Silicon (Si)- and magnesium (Mg)-containing bioceramics have recently gained much attention for tissue engineering applications due to their ability to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation along with their adequate microstructural and physicochemical characteristics. In this study, nanostructured monticellite (CaMgSiO4, 33.33% of Mg) was chosen as an appealing biomaterial to identify time- and dose-dependent cytocompatibility, in vitro osteogenic activity and antibacterial & anti-biofilm activity. A time- and dose-dependent MTT assay illustrated that monticellite nanoparticles promoted proliferation of bone like cell considerably more than positive and negative controls. The cell viability of the bioceramic was higher than hydroxyapatite (HA, as bone inorganic material) and control sample, demonstrating that cytocompatibility was promoted due to the increase of Mg content. The results of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test demonstrated that the osteogenic proliferation of osteoblast-like G292 cell line enhanced more by the bioceramics extract than control and HA, corroborating when Mg content of the calcium-silicate bioceramics is increased cytocompatibility and bioactivity are significantly promoted. Moreover, further analyses revealed that the bioceramic possessed antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties due to the presence of Mg, Si and Ca elements in the structure. These findings suggest that the proposed nanostructured monticellite is a promising biomaterial for further applications in tissue engineering.