Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies on bauxites and their phase analysis

The dominant mineralogical phases of bauxite have to be evaluated regularly for testing and adopting the alumina technology suitably. While such phase analysis is conve-ntionally done by x-ray diffractometry. It is well reco-gnised since long ago that Infrared Spectroscopy can also be utilised for identification and evaluation of such minerals. Recent PC based Fourier Transform Infrared and evaluation of such minerals. Recent PC based Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometers enable not only the easy identification of dominant phases it can also identify the minor phases. In this paper, the spect-roscopic investigations conducted in the laboratory for the estimation of diaspore in various bauxites are presented. The details of the sample preparation method for obtaining good quality IR spectrum for mineralogical examination, the special software (PC/IR) and USGS Mineralogical Library are also discussed.