Chrysotile molecules

PMNs also produce oxygen-derived free radicals when exposed in vitro to chrysotile or crocidolite. The highly reactive superoxides could injure other cells or attack extracellular matrix molecules. Hyaluronic acid (part of the mucopolysaccharide molecule) is a particularly vulnerable matrix species, but the specific reaction mechanisms have not been elucidated. 

Microcrystalline silicate n. A derivative of chrysotile asbestos, consisting of tiny rodshaped particles of hydrated magnesium silicate. The particles have hydroxyl groups on their surfaces that bond with hydrogenbonding sites on the molecules of a fluid in which they are incorporated. The material has also been used as a viscosity-building agent in unsaturated polyester and other resins. 

Amphibole types of asbestos are composed of double chains that are linked similarly to the ladder example. These double chains are inclined to produce crystals that may be viewed as ribbons or laves. This is to be expected because ribbon-like molecules can stack most easily to form ribbon-like crystals. Cross-linkages between chains of an amphibole crystal contribute to the stability of amphibole asbestos and are responsible for higher temperatures of decomposition and resistance to chemical attack of amphiboles. Chrysotile asbestos will quickly degrade in acidic media, while crocidolite, an amphibole which upon casual inspection has an appearance similar to chrysotile, is highly resistant to acid attack. 

Chry sotile is decomposed at temperatures below those generated on the surface of automobile and truck brakes. Hydrate water is lost at higher temperatures and chrysotile fibers turn to nonfibrous dust, another example where molecular structure dictates crystal morphology. When the shape molecules change, morphology converts from a fiber to a particulate dust with little or no fibrous nature. 

Chrysotile is known to be a tetrahydrate, where water is held as molecular water and not as water of composition. Water of composition, for example, being the type of water formed when two -POH groups combine to form a POP linkage, form one molecule of water that may be vaporized as HOH. There are few crystalline hydrates that will survive temperatures much above 150 °C. 

It is the similarity between silicates and phosphates that suggested that phosphorus might be substituted for silicon in molecules of serpentine mineral types. If properties of silicates can be retained while adding known safety properties of phosphates, a safe asbestos -type product is possible. An early unsuccessful attempt was made by the author to prepare a safe asbestos by inserting phosphate groups within silicate chains of chiysotile. With some additional work this should still be possible and no more than two or three percent of the weight of the chrysotile product would be required as inserted phosphates, and probably inexpensively. 

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