Thermal behaviour of mineral fibres

This chapter deals with the synthesis and thermal stability ofmineral fibres. The different
structural assemblages within mineral fibres and their resistance to high temperature
changes fromspecies to species. In general, the formation of such minerals takes place in
hydrothermal environments. The thermal decomposition process consists of three main
stages: the loss of water adsorbed on the surface of the fibre and the zeolitic water below
200250ºC; the removal of the structure water (the hydroxyl groups) in the range
5001100ºC and recrystallization into new stable crystalline phases. The thermal
stability of chrysotile, amphiboles fibres and erionite will be described in detail and will
be followed by specific sections describing how the concept of thermal decomposition is
used for the remediation of wastes containing asbestos to produce secondary raw
materials to be recycled in various industrial application.