Calcination: meaning, definitions and examples
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calcination
[ kæl'sɪneɪʃən ]
chemical process
Calcination is the process of heating a substance to a high temperature in the absence of air or oxygen, resulting in the thermal decomposition of material. It often involves the conversion of a metal carbonate to an oxide, releasing carbon dioxide. This method is widely used in the production of materials such as lime, magnesia, and other metal oxides.
Synonyms
decomposition, heating, thermal treatment.
Examples of usage
- The calcination of limestone produces quicklime.
- Calcination is essential in the preparation of ceramics.
- The metal ores undergo calcination before further processing.
Etymology
The term 'calcination' is derived from the Latin word ‘calcinare’, which means 'to heat to a lime' and is related to ‘calx’, meaning 'lime'. This etymology reflects the historical use of the process in producing lime through the thermal decomposition of limestone. Calcination has been employed since ancient times; the earliest records date back to practices in metallurgy, particularly when extracting metals from their ores. Over the centuries, the process has evolved with advancements in chemistry and materials science, becoming an essential step in various industrial applications. The understanding of calcination has grown, and today it encompasses a range of procedures involving thermal treatments, helping in the production of a variety of materials in different sectors, including construction, metallurgy, and ceramics.