Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.1 Evolution of Hydrothermal Technology with Time
Period
Focus
Equipment
Remarks
1850
1900 Mineral synthesis,
imitation of natural
conditions
Simple reactors, glass
reactors, digestors
Lower growth rate, tiny
particles, geological
interest
1900
1940 Mineral synthesis,
improvement in PT
conditions, German
domination
Morey autoclaves, flat
closures
Lower growth rate,
silicates, carbonates,
Germany, Russia,
France, the United
States of America,
geological interest
1940
1950 Large-size and large-
scale production of
quartz, beginning of
zeolites, clays, and
micas
Test-tube type (cold-
cone sealed), welded
closure modified
Bridgman type
Cold-cone-seal type
autoclaves made
revolution, PVT
diagrams systems
1950
1960 Phase diagrams for
natural systems
Morey, Tuttle
Roy,
welded closures,
modified Bridgman
The dawn of modern
hydrothermal research
1960
1970 Synthesis of
technological
materials, new
inorganic compounds
without natural
analogues
New designs from
erstwhile Soviet Union,
commercialization of
the autoclaves,
improved sealing,
larger size of the
autoclaves
Russian school
dominated, Japanese
laboratories appeared
1970
1980 A variety of new
materials synthesis,
ceramic processing in
a bigger way,
advanced materials
New designs, improved
PT conditions, Grey-
Loc sealing, large
autoclaves
Appearance of many
hydrothermal
laboratories in several
countries
1980
1990 Decline in interest on
hydrothermal
research. Importance
of the technique in
materials science,
physical chemistry of
hydrothermal
solutions
Japan organized First
International
Conference on
Hydrothermal
Reactions. Beginning
of the entry of physical
chemists
.
1990
Diversification of
hydrothermal
technique, age of
solvothermal, physical
chemistry of
Design of new reactors
to suit the specific
applications: batch
reactors, flow reactors,
and so on
Entry of organic
chemists,
environmental
scientists, fall in
Russian domination,
(Continued)
