Preparation of submicron talc particles by sonication

Particles of talc with sizes in the submicrometer range have been prepared by a sonication procedure. The resulting materials present a narrow particle size distribution and retain the crystalline structure of the parent mineral, as assayed by X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy experiments. Sonication produces significant particle size decrease. Both delamination and lateral size reduction has been observed in the sonicated materials. The resulting materials have been characterized in terms of particle size distribution, coherent diffraction thickness, specific surface area, particle morphology, and crystalline structure. The thermal behaviour of talc is very much modified due to the particle size reduction produced by the effect of the ultrasound.