Statistical optimization of conditions for the hydrothermal precipitation of boehmite

The experimental conditions for the hydrothermal precipitation of boehmite powders were optimised using a 2(3) full-factorial design of experiments. The results have been interpreted in terms of weight-loss measurements on calcining the samples at 750 degreesC. The various parameters chosen for the optimisation were: aluminium concentration, urea/aluminium molar ratio and temperature. The regression equations were estimated at different time intervals. Within the limits of the present investigation, the precipitation of pure boehmite (for the samples showing similar to 15% weight loss) occurred only at 2 h of precipitation time with a urea/aluminium molar ratio of 4 and was independent of both aluminium concentration and temperature in the range of 0.1-0.2 M and 160-200 degreesC, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the sample showing similar to 15% weight loss were compared with the reported spectra of boehmite. The tap densities of the samples obtained at 2 h of precipitation time varied between 130 and 290 kg/m(3), indicating the formation of very light boehmites. (c) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.