Reaction between Sodium Carbonate and Silica Grains (IMAGE)

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Reaction between Sodium Carbonate and Silica Grains

Caption

This is an image showing the reaction between a grain of sodium carbonate (red) and two grains of silica (blue and yellow) observed at various temperatures and from different angles. These reactions produced sodium silicates, the precursors of glass. Note the movement of the grain of sodium carbonate which successively attaches to each of its neighbors. These movements favor progression of the reaction. The grain of sand measures about 100 micrometers across.

Credit

The American Ceramic Society

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