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Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia

This paper explores the complex geological processes involved in the weathering of limestone in Batu Caves, Malaysia. Batu Caves is well-known for its formations that hold cultural and geological importance. Limestone, consisting mostly of calcium carbonate, experiences weathering processes that are...

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Main Authors: Kambakhsh, Hamasa, Nik Daud, Nik Norsyahariati, Inanch, Saifullah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Penerbit UTHM 2024
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114719/1/114719.pdf
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114719/
https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/ijie/article/view/18512
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spelling my.upm.eprints.1147192025-01-27T03:56:54Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114719/ Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia Kambakhsh, Hamasa Nik Daud, Nik Norsyahariati Inanch, Saifullah This paper explores the complex geological processes involved in the weathering of limestone in Batu Caves, Malaysia. Batu Caves is well-known for its formations that hold cultural and geological importance. Limestone, consisting mostly of calcium carbonate, experiences weathering processes that are impacted by environmental conditions, necessitating a thorough investigation. The study used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to thoroughly analyse six limestone samples from Batu Caves. The FTIR analysis provides essential information on the mineral composition of limestone. Three key objectives guided our investigation: i) to discern the physical properties of both intact and weathered limestone, ii) to scrutinize the wave spectrum through FTIR analysis, and iii) to elucidate the intricate relationship between physical and chemical properties during the weathering process. The FTIR findings provide significant insights into the mineral compositions of weathered limestone in Batu Caves. Within the cave, feldspar, calcite, and dolomite were identified, while beyond the cave's confines, distinct peaks indicated the presence of calcite, dolomite, clay minerals, and magnesium-rich chlorite. Noteworthy peaks at 3440.51 cm⁻¹ and 3746.26 cm⁻¹ confirmed the existence of clay minerals and chlorite, enriching our understanding of geological changes resulting from weathering. Overall, the FTIR analysis improves our understanding of Batu Caves's geological past by revealing the intricate connections between limestone and environmental elements. Additionally, this study examined the electrical and electronic properties of both intact and weathered limestone. Intact limestone exhibited low electrical conductivity, in the range of 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁶ S/m, due to its low porosity and insulating properties of calcium carbonate. Weathered limestone, with increased porosity and moisture content, showed significantly higher conductivity, ranging from 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁶ S/m.The results highlight the susceptibility of limestone formations to weathering.Key points of comparison include changes in mineral composition, with weathered limestone showing the introduction of clay minerals and magnesium-rich chlorite. Increased porosity in weathered limestone leads to greater moisture retention, which directly impacts its electrical properties, resulting in elevated conductivity. These differences highlight the significant effects of weathering on limestone's structure and function. The ramifications transcend mere scientific curiosity, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive conservation endeavours aimed at safeguarding this emblematic natural and cultural legacy for posterity. Penerbit UTHM 2024-11-27 Article PeerReviewed text en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114719/1/114719.pdf Kambakhsh, Hamasa and Nik Daud, Nik Norsyahariati and Inanch, Saifullah (2024) Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia. International Journal of Integrated Engineering, 16 (7). art. no. 7. pp. 1-11. ISSN 2229-838X https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/ijie/article/view/18512 10.30880/ijie.2024.16.07.001
institution Universiti Putra Malaysia
building UPM Library
collection Institutional Repository
continent Asia
country Malaysia
content_provider Universiti Putra Malaysia
content_source UPM Institutional Repository
url_provider http://psasir.upm.edu.my/
language English
description This paper explores the complex geological processes involved in the weathering of limestone in Batu Caves, Malaysia. Batu Caves is well-known for its formations that hold cultural and geological importance. Limestone, consisting mostly of calcium carbonate, experiences weathering processes that are impacted by environmental conditions, necessitating a thorough investigation. The study used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to thoroughly analyse six limestone samples from Batu Caves. The FTIR analysis provides essential information on the mineral composition of limestone. Three key objectives guided our investigation: i) to discern the physical properties of both intact and weathered limestone, ii) to scrutinize the wave spectrum through FTIR analysis, and iii) to elucidate the intricate relationship between physical and chemical properties during the weathering process. The FTIR findings provide significant insights into the mineral compositions of weathered limestone in Batu Caves. Within the cave, feldspar, calcite, and dolomite were identified, while beyond the cave's confines, distinct peaks indicated the presence of calcite, dolomite, clay minerals, and magnesium-rich chlorite. Noteworthy peaks at 3440.51 cm⁻¹ and 3746.26 cm⁻¹ confirmed the existence of clay minerals and chlorite, enriching our understanding of geological changes resulting from weathering. Overall, the FTIR analysis improves our understanding of Batu Caves's geological past by revealing the intricate connections between limestone and environmental elements. Additionally, this study examined the electrical and electronic properties of both intact and weathered limestone. Intact limestone exhibited low electrical conductivity, in the range of 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁶ S/m, due to its low porosity and insulating properties of calcium carbonate. Weathered limestone, with increased porosity and moisture content, showed significantly higher conductivity, ranging from 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁶ S/m.The results highlight the susceptibility of limestone formations to weathering.Key points of comparison include changes in mineral composition, with weathered limestone showing the introduction of clay minerals and magnesium-rich chlorite. Increased porosity in weathered limestone leads to greater moisture retention, which directly impacts its electrical properties, resulting in elevated conductivity. These differences highlight the significant effects of weathering on limestone's structure and function. The ramifications transcend mere scientific curiosity, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive conservation endeavours aimed at safeguarding this emblematic natural and cultural legacy for posterity.
format Article
author Kambakhsh, Hamasa
Nik Daud, Nik Norsyahariati
Inanch, Saifullah
spellingShingle Kambakhsh, Hamasa
Nik Daud, Nik Norsyahariati
Inanch, Saifullah
Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia
author_facet Kambakhsh, Hamasa
Nik Daud, Nik Norsyahariati
Inanch, Saifullah
author_sort Kambakhsh, Hamasa
title Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia
title_short Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia
title_full Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia
title_fullStr Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia
title_full_unstemmed Characterization of weathered and intact Limestone with FTIR analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia
title_sort characterization of weathered and intact limestone with ftir analysis in batu caves, malaysia
publisher Penerbit UTHM
publishDate 2024
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114719/1/114719.pdf
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114719/
https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/ijie/article/view/18512
_version_ 1823093251177971712
score 13.235796

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