Effect of Particle Size on the Cation-exchange Capacity, Surface Area and Zinc-binding Capacity of Refined Corn Hull

The effect of particle size on the surface area, cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and zinc-binding capacity of refined corn hull (RCH) was studied. The surface area was determined by the EGME method, and the specific surface area did not change substantially with particle size. CEC also did not change with particle size, and about half of the cation exchangeable group was strongly acidic. Zinc binding by RCH could be described by the Lungmiur’s equation. While the zinc-binding capacity also did not change with particle size, it was highly pH-dependent, being greater at pH 6 than at pH 3.