Zeolites synthesis as adsorbing materials requires accurate control of the variables. There are distinct process variables for obtaining specific desired types depending on each different kind of zeolite to be synthesized. This paper was aimed at obtaining NaA zeolites from kaolin in order to obtain zeolites A afterwards through ionic exchange with the previously synthesized zeolite. These zeolites can then be used as highly selective adsorbents to adsorb, for instance, heavy metals in industrial effluents. The results obtained were satisfactory, the methodology was efficient. From the commercial metakaolin used NaA zeolite was obtained successfully, and through ionic exchanges 5A zeolite was obtained. The exchangeable sodium percentage in the final zeolite was 61.4%.
zeolites; kaolin; synthesis
