Synthesis and Characterization of Forsterite (Mg2SiO4) Nanomaterials of Dunite from Sumatera

Abstract

The topics to be discussed are about the synthesis and characterization of forsterite nanoparticles (Mg2So4) from dunite rocks originating from West Sumatra. This region is a meeting of two Indian and Australian plates that give rise to mineral dunite with unique characteristics. Forsterite synthesis was carried out using calcinations temperature variations namely 700, 800, 900, 1000 and 1100°C. Synthesis of forsterite nanoparticles used the High Energy Milling Ellipse 3D Motion (HEM-E3D) method with variations in milling time, i.e., 5, 10, 20 h. Characterization was carried out using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The synthesis results explain the forsterite concentration in dunite rock, pure forsterite at optimal calcinations temperature, forsterite nanoparticles at optimal grinding time and forsterite nanoparticle structure.