How does vermiculite lose and regain water molecules during dehydration?

[shalu]

vermiculite a mineral loss its water molecules when its is heated but it not loses it water molecules completely.how it is possible??

 

[jim mcnamara]

You are talking about water of hydration.

Example $$Si0_2 3(H_20)$$

google for water of hydration. Even oven drying to > 100C may not remove it.

 

[oswaler]

This phenomenon is known as dehydration and it occurs when the temperature of the vermiculite reaches a certain point, causing the water molecules to be released from the mineral structure. However, it is important to note that the water molecules are not completely lost, but rather they are released from the mineral and can be reabsorbed when the temperature decreases. This is possible because the water molecules are not chemically bonded to the mineral, but rather held in the mineral's structure through weak interactions. Therefore, when heated, the weak interactions are broken and the water molecules are released. This process is reversible, allowing the vermiculite to regain its water molecules when the temperature decreases, making it a useful material in various applications such as soil amendments and insulation.