Characterization of MCM-48 pellet and corresponding catalytic activity for Friedel-Crafts alkylation

MCM-48 was into a pellet (phi 2 mm x 10 mm). The slurry composition of the extrusion of the pellet was optimised to 75 wt% MCM-48: 25 wt% bentonite. The organic binder was controlled to 25-35wt% with respect to the weight of the MCM-48 and bentonite or pseudobohemite, in order to maximize the mechanical strength. The compressive strength had an inverse relationship with the surface area. It was suggested that the sintering temperature should be 700 degrees C in order to have an optimised surface area and mechanical strength. Under these circumstance, the result of X-ray diffraction pattern showed that there was no structural collapse.