Speaker
Dr
Mofuti Mehlape
(University Of Limpopo)
Description
Atomistic simulation was carried out to study the effect of pressure on the structure and elastic properties of pentlandite structures of the form M9S8 sulphides (M = metal). The lattice parameters, bond lengths and elastic constants as a function of pressure are calculated. Pentlandite is a major precious metals-bearing mineral and plays a very important role in mining. Precious metal ores co-exists with base metals either as solid-solution and intergrowths, hence rendering its detailed understanding important for efficient extraction of these precious metals. This work relates to problems in applied areas such as mineralogy, geophysics and geochemistry, whereby phase transition is modified by impurities, so there is the additional concern of the effect of high pressures. We want to see how pressure changes the lattice parameters, elastic constants and bond lengths. We used computational techniques to investigate the effect of high pressure on the pentlandite structures. It was noted that as the pressure increases, the volume decreases. The elastic properties were found to be positive, which satisfies the conditions for a mechanically stable cubic structure.
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
No
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
N/A
Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?
Yes
Primary author
Dr
Mofuti Mehlape
(University Of Limpopo)
Co-authors
Ms
Dakalo Tanzwani
(University of Limpopo)
Prof.
Phuti Ngoepe
(University of Limpopo)
