Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Acid leaching chrysotile asbestos results in a stepwise loss of magnesium which reduces the strain locally. This results in a partial unwiding of the structural sheets which makes possible further leaching. Strong acids are used for a coarse brutal attack of the chrysotile structure, whereas weak acids allow a fine control of the magnesium leaching degree required to have the adequate properties of the partially leached asbestos which is used for the preparation of zeolites with enhanced catalytic properties. The final material is not carcinogenic. The leached materials were characterized by atomic absorption spectrometry, bulk density and BET specific surface area measurements, and X-ray diffraction.