ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Influence of calcium carbonate scale formation on copper and aluminium: polymorphism and morphology

Sapan Jana, K. Palanisamy, and V. K. Subramanian

Department of Chemistry, Annamalai University, Cuddalore, India

E-mail: drvksau@gmail.com

Received: 29 October 2025  Accepted: 20 April 2026

Abstract:

The formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) scale on metallic surfaces poses significant challenges in various industrial applications. This study investigates the influence of copper (Cu) and aluminium (Al) buttons on CaCO₃ precipitation and scale formation at 60 °C using a suite of characterisation techniques, including Powder X-ray Diffraction (P-XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). P-XRD analysis revealed the absence of scale deposition on Cu buttons, while Al surfaces promoted the formation of crystalline CaCO₃, primarily vaterite and calcite. SEM imaging corroborated these findings, showing poorly crystalline precipitates in the presence of Cu and well-defined spherical/polyhedral structures on Al. The smooth surface of Cu and its weak interaction with carbonate ions are proposed as key factors inhibiting scale formation, whereas the rougher surface of Al and its stronger affinity facilitate nucleation and crystal growth. These results highlight the crucial role of button material in controlling CaCO₃ scaling behaviour, offering insights for material selection in systems susceptible to scale deposition.

Keywords: Internal water treatment; Calcium carbonate scale; Copper; Aluminium; Crystal morphology; Polymorphism

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-04934-y

Chemical Papers 80 (8) 9033–9044 (2026)