Preparation of calcium carbonate whiskers by sol-gel method

Calcium carbonate whisker is prepared by sol-gel method and the factors which impact on the morphology of calcium carbonate whisker have been studied, such as constant water bath temperature, stirring speed, heat treatment temperature and heat treatment time. And a brief analysis for the formation mechanism is given. The preparation is divided into two steps: firstly, under the water bath and stirring condition, the calcium carbonate is put into the acetic acid, then citric acid is added, and Ca-containing intermediate is produced; Secondly, the intermediate is decomposed by heating, and calcium carbonate whisker is prepared. The study found that CaCO3whisker of which the diameter is between 100 and 150 nm and the length is about 4 μm can be produced under the water bath temperature of 80°C, stirring speed of 150 r/min, heating temperature of 700°C and the holding time of 2 h.