Physico-Chemical, Mineralogical, and Chemical Characterisation of Cretaceous–Paleogene/Neogene Kaolins within Eastern Dahomey and Niger Delta Basins from Nigeria: Possible Industrial Applications

Minerals

卷:10

Georges-Ivo Ekosse¹  Olaonipekun Oyebanjo²  John Odiyo³ 

[1] Directorate of Research and Innovation, University of Venda, P/Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;

[2] Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Osun State, Nigeria;

[3] School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, P/Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;

关键词: kaolinite;    applications;    plasticity;    morphology;    major oxides;   

DOI  :  10.3390/min10080670

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The demand for kaolinitic clays for various industrial applications is increasing globally. The present study evaluated the potential industrial applications of kaolins from the Eastern Dahomey and Niger Delta Basins, Nigeria. The colour, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), particle size distribution (PSD), plastic limits and liquid limits of the kaolins were determined. Mineralogical properties were assessed using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The chemical compositions of the kaolins were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The kaolins were generally acidic, with pH less than 7 with low EC. The moderate plasticity indices (PI ≥ 10%) for the kaolins suggested their potential use in the manufacturing of structural clay products without extrusion. Kaolinite was the only kaolin mineral present with anhedral–subhedral–euhedral crystals. The platy morphology of the kaolinites in the Cretaceous kaolins are very important in paper production. Other minerals present in the kaolins were quartz, muscovite, anatase and goethite. The major oxide contents of the kaolins were dominated by SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂. Based on chemical specifications, the raw kaolins are not suitable for most industrial applications except for the Cretaceous Lakiri kaolins in the paper and ceramic industries (except for TiO₂ and K₂O content). The study concluded that the kaolin deposits would require beneficiation for large-scale industrial applications.

【 授权许可】

Unknown