Abstract
A kaolin obtained from Villa de Reyes, a region near to San Luis Potosi (Mexico) was characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES), thermal analysis (DTA/TGA), dilatometry (DIL), and chemical analysis. Mineralogical and morphological characteristics of the mineral are presented. The kaolin sample was formed mainly by kaolinite, but other minor phases were also detected such as quartz, cristobalite, tridymite, and dolomite. The high content of volcanic glass detected, by optical microscopy, revealed an incomplete kaolinization process of the raw material. The reddish color of the kaolin was associated with the free iron content in the form of limonite [FeO(OH)], which was determined by XANES. The influence of the particle size on the whiteness of kaolin was evaluated. Dilatometric analysis revealed a strong thermal expansion between 110 y 240 °C, which would difficult the use of this material in traditional ceramic applications. On the other hand the presence of glass and high temperature phases of SiO2, such as cristobalite and tridymite will favor its use in the cement industry.
Highlights
A kaolin obtained from Villa de Reyes
other minor phases were also detected such as quartz
The reddish color of the kaolin was associated with the free iron content in the form
Summary
Los resultados del análisis mineralógico mediante DRX mostraron un mineral constituido principalmente de caolinita, con una contribución minoritaria de cuarzo, cristobalita, tridimita y dolomita. El análisis por microscopía óptica reveló un alto contenido de material amorfo volcánico, indicando una caolinización incompleta del material vítreo. El color rojo observado en el caolín fue asociado con la presencia de hierro en la forma de limonita [FeO(OH)], la cual fue determinada mediante XANES. El análisis dilatométrico reveló una fuerte expansión térmica entre 110 y 240 °C, lo cual dificultaría el empleo del material estudiado en la industria cerámica tradicional, en cambio la presencia de vidrio y las fases de alta temperatura del SiO2, cristobalita y tridimita, favorecen su empleo en la industria cementera.
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