Influence of TiO2 nanoparticles presence on composite kaolinite/TiO2 on its behavior in aqueous solution: statistical assessment

The influence of the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of kaolinite on the release of selected elements was statistically evaluated. Dried (105 degrees C) and calcined (600 degrees C) kaolinite/nano-TiO2 composites were leached in deionized water and in extraction agents with varying initial pH levels. For comparison, dried and calcined unaltered kaolinite samples were subjected to the same procedure. The leached portion of selected elements (Al, Si, K, and Mg) presence in kaolinite and composite were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), factor analysis for mixed data (FAMD) and Pearson correlation. The results showed a strong relationship between the presence of TiO2 NPs and the leached portion of Al and between composite calcination and leaching of Al from the composite dried at 600 degrees C. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.