Simulation of soil reactions: aluminium-iron(III) hydroxy species react with silica to give deposits on particle surfaces

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Abstract
In solutions of three different, stable, Al-Fe(III) hydroxy species, reaction with silica particles for one month decreased the solution pH and gave deposits containing Fe, Al and Si over the surfaces of the particles, joining them together. Infrared difference spectroscopy showed the deposits to be similar to imogolite or feldspathoid phases, depending on the composition of the initial solution. Comparative SEM and EDXA elemental analysis profiles supported the conclusion that these laboratory products were similar to naturally occurring soil cementing agents. An explanation is given for the observed reactions and the formation of materials likely to act as cementing agents in soil.