Physio-Chemical and Thermal Properties of Alkaleri Kaolin, Bauchi State, Nigeria for Ceramics Applications

Abstract

A kaolin deposit is of considerable economic potential and occurs in Alkaleri local government area in Bauchi state, Nigeria. It is well accepted that the mineralogical composition controls ceramics processing properties. The qualities of raw clays are evaluated merely by their chemical composition and grains size distribution. The kaolin investigated in this study was evaluated through multi-approach method. Atterberg limit: Liquid limit 50.4%; Plastic limit 24.3%; Plasticity index 26.1%; drying and firing shrinkage 5%. Chemical composition: XRF revealed SiO2 40.90%; Al2O3 38.90% and total fluxes content of 1.43%; LOI 13%. XRD revealed the present of quartz, hematite, kaolinite and illinite; DTA curve revealed the present of endothermic peak at 600oC and exothermic peak at 1000oC. SEM showed irregular particles shape and porous texture. The study elucidated properties of Alkaleri kaolin suitable for application in ceramics.

Keywords: Alkaleri, Kaolin, Physio-Chemical quality, XRF, XRD, Differential Thermal Analysis