Electron Microscopy Of “Igumale” Shale

Abstract

Igumale shale and its inclusion were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with its accessory, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) system. The samples were also subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while subsidiary chemical analyses were made for allophane test. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) tests were conducted on the samples to complement the findings of the electron microscopy. The shale was found to have a general open structure with a crinkled lettuce effect, which suggests the appearance of montmorillonitic or mixed-layer clay. The inclusion was identified to be gypsum. It is concluded that the underlying shale was responsible for cracks on the floors and walls of buildings in the study area. The results also explain the very considerable broadening of peak in the X-ray diffraction pattern.

Keywords: Microscopy, X-ray, Shale, Analysis, Diffraction.

Global Journal of Engineering Research Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 29-36