The formation mechanism of basic magnesium carbonate has been investigated using X-ray diffractometry, Differential thermal analysis and chemical analysis.
Samples were prepared by varying the conditions of preparation, such as reaction temperature, reaction time and drying temperature.
As reaction temperature increased, Nesquihonite decomposed into Hydromagnesite, which had Dypingite as an intermediate.
As reaction proceeded, Nesquihonite-like crystal was formed initially, which transformed to unknown compound and then recrystallized to Nesquihonite.
The effect of drying temperature on Nesquihonite, and hydrothermal decomposition of it were investigated also. With these results, it could be concluded that moisture was necessary for Nesquihonite to decompose into basic magnesium carbonate.