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R J Kirkpatrick

Publications and source records attributed to R J Kirkpatrick.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Thermal evolution of the Cl(-)-LiAl(2) layered double hydroxide: a multinuclear MAS NMR and XRD perspective.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with a cation composition of LiAl(2) have a wide range of potential applications as catalysts, catalyst supports, and precursors for refractory oxide materials, including several industrially important lithium aluminate phases. The understanding of the calcination behavior of this group of LDH phases is essential to advancing these applications, and the research described here focuses on the thermal decomposition and structural evolution of LiAl(2)(OH)(6)Cl.nH(2)O in the temperature range of 20-1100 degrees C. (27)Al, (35)Cl, and (6,7)Li magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (including thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry), and compositional analysis provide a highly consistent picture of the thermally induced phase formation and transformations of this LDH. The loss of the surface and interlayer water can begin as low as room temperature, depending on the relative humidity. Beginning at about 300 degrees C, the simultaneous volatilization of H(2)O and HCl and the exsolution of crystalline LiCl result in the formation of amorphous Li-Al-O-OH. By at least 500 degrees C, volumes with the structures of alpha-LiAlO(2) and LiAl(5)O(8) appear, and these phases become progressively more ordered with increasing temperature. LiCl begins to volatilize by 850 degrees C and is present only in trace amounts above ca. 1000 degrees C. alpha-LiAlO(2) converts to gamma-LiAlO(2) between 970 and 1100 degrees C. Because of the delithiation due to LiCl volatilization, the final products are dominated by LiAl(5)O(8), in contrast to the calcination products of previously studied LiAl(2) LDHs which are dominated by LiAlO(2).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Cement solidification of simulated off-gas condensates from vitrification of low-level nuclear waste solutions.

Solidification in a cementitious matrix is a viable alternative for low-level nuclear waste management; it is therefore important to understand the behavior and properties of such wasteforms. We have examined the cementitious solidification of simulated off-gas waste streams resulting from the vitrification of low-level nuclear waste. Different possible methods for scrubbing the off-gasses from a vitrifier give rise to three possible types of waste compositions: acidic (from aqueous dissolution of volatile NOx and POx carried over from the vitrifier), basic (from neutralizing the former with sodium hydroxide), and fully carbonated (arising from a direct-combustion vitrifier). Six binder compositions were tested in which ordinary Portland cement was replaced at different proportions by fly ash and/or ground granulated blast furnace slag. A high solution to binder ratio of 1l/1 kg was used to minimize the volume of the wasteform and 10% attapulgite clay was added to all mixes to ensure that the fresh mix did not segregate prior to setting. The 28-day compressive strengths decreased when a high proportion of cement was replaced with fly ash, but were increased significantly when the cement was replaced with slag. The heats of hydration at early age for the various solids compositions decreased when cement was replaced with either fly ash or slag; however, for the fly ash mix the low heat was also associated with a significant decrease in compressive strength. High curing temperature (60 degrees C) or the use of extra-fine slag did not significantly affect the compressive strength. Recommendations for choice of binder formulations and treatment of off-gas condensates are discussed.

Environmental Pollution↗
PubMed1995

Nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of the structures of phosphate and phosphate-containing glasses: a review.

This paper presents a review of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data for phosphate and phosphate-containing glasses obtained primarily within the past 10 years and of the structural interpretations based on those data. Compositions discussed include P2O5, alkali and alkaline earth phosphates, aluminophosphates, borophosphates, fluorophosphates, and phosphate-containing silicate and aluminosilicate glasses. 31P NMR data, in conjunction with 27Al, 29Si, 11B, 7Li, and 23Na data if appropriate, have proven very powerful in providing direct evidence about the local structural environments present in the these materials and in many cases have allowed interpretation of the physical and chemical behavior of these glasses in terms of polyhedral structures.

Alkalies↗