calcination

Calcination is a thermal process in which a substance, typically a mineral or metal, is heated to a high temperature in the absence of air or in limited air. This process helps drive off volatile substances, such as water or carbon dioxide, and can change the chemical structure of the material. One common application is in the production of lime from limestone, where calcium carbonate is heated to produce calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. Calcination is essential in various industries, including metal production and cement manufacturing, to refine materials and facilitate chemical reactions.