Abstract
The kaolin sample from Alkaleri in Bauchi State was analyzed to ascertain its metal and metal oxides content and to investigate their potential use for industrial purposes. Neutron activation analysis technique was used for the metals while the turbimetric and Molybdenum Blue methods were used to determine the sulphates and phosphates respectively. The result showed that the Alkaleri kaolin with Fe (1.3 x 10-3%), K2O(0.53%), Na2O( 0.018%), TiO2 (4.6x10-4%), meets the specification for paper, ceramics, rubber, porcelain, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and glaze production but its alumina content is slightly below the minimum requirement for these uses except for rubber for which the content is within the specified value and for tiles for which the value is slightly above the specification. The combination of sulphate and phosphate contents which are 4.71% and 2.18ppm respectively could increase their absorbing property and makes them more useful for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The pH value of the kaolin was found to be 4.3 which makes it unsuitable for most industrial purposes, e.g. rubber and plastic production, the pH need to be increased to 5-7 range (the preferred value for most industrial uses). The nitrate and chloride contents indicated values of 18ppm and 0.3ppm respectively.
Highlights
Kaolin, named after Kao-Ling, the location of its first major utilization in China, is a common phyllosilicate mineral of the formula Al2Si2O5OH4 [1]
The iron content of (1.1x10-3%) of Alkaleri kaolin is below the maximum requirement of kaolin for paper production
This implies that the Al2O3 content which is below the minimum requirement and the Ba content could depreciate the quality for the ceramic industry
Summary
Kaolin, named after Kao-Ling, the location of its first major utilization in China, is a common phyllosilicate mineral of the formula Al2Si2O5OH4 [1]. Kaolin clay usually contains different minerals (such as quartz, feldspar, and calcite). It is mostly white, but it can be grey, yellow or red [1]. The greatest demand for kaolinite is in the paper industry to produce a high quality paper [9,10,11]. It is used as filler for paint, rubber and plastics [4, 6, 7]. Chemical analysis of Alkaleri kaolin has become necessary in order to ascertain its suitability for certain industrial applications. Zerendu Chikaodinaka Christian et al.: Chemical Investigation of Alkaleri Kaolin Deposit for
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