Transformation of Cs-exchanged clinoptilolite to CsAlSi5O12 by hot-pressing

Dense CsAlSi5O12 was successfully obtained by hot pressing of Cs-exchanged clinoptilolite at 900 degrees C. Simultaneous application of high temperature and mechanical pressure allowed formation of CsAlSi5O12 at temperature considerably lower than 1150 degrees C which was the lowest reported temperature of CsAlSi5O12 formation in pressureless sintered Cs-exchanged clinoptilolite. CsAlSi5O12 formation was preceded by complete amorphisation of Cs-exchanged clinoptilolite in temperature range between 700 and 900 degrees C. Bearing in mind that clinoptilolite possesses high affinity for Cs cation it is believed that hot pressing of Cs-exchanged clinoptilolite might be an efficient way to immobilize radioactive Cs by its incorporation into crystal lattice of stable CsAlSi5O12. The samples sintered at 950 degrees C had relative density about 84% of theoretical density and open porosity of only 6% which is expected to result in low Cs leaching rate.