Physicochemical evaluation of industrial potentialities of Getso Kaolin

Abstract

Fossil fuel depletion has prompted the need for alternative sources of energy and income generation. Kaolin is an abundant solid mineral found in many parts of Nigeria, whose economy is over dependent on oil. However, lack of detailed study, characterization and analysis made it difficult for investors to show interest in this manufacturing sector. In this study kaolin from Getso, Kano state, northern part of Nigeria was characterized using pH measurement, X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XRF), Thermogravimetric-Derivative Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Analysis (FTIR) to establish its potentialities for industrial applications. The XRF analysis indicated that Getso kaolin consists mainly of silica, 47.07% and alumina, 39.20% with other metal oxides like iron (III) oxide as minor component, while the XRD and FTIR results indicated that the main mineral present in the sample is kaolinite with small amounts of mica and quartz. The pH was found to be 7.2, which qualified it for very good industrial applications. The chemical composition of Getso kaolin was found to be comparable to the theoretical composition and that of commercial kaolin making it suitable for some industrial applications like paper, adhesives, plastics, fiberglass, rubber and paints.

Keywords: Getso Kaolin, Characterization, Theoretical kaolinite