Abstract
Microstructure investigation of kaolinite clay suspensions were conducted to understand better the poor settling and dewatering of clay rich mine tailings. The subject of testing was a 5 wt.kaolinite (KGa-2) aqueous suspension treated by pH change, ultrasonic and microwave action, polymeric flocculent and steatite addition. Kaolinite suspensions were investigated using synchrotron powered Transmission X-ray Microscope with subsequent computer 3D reconstruction. Treatment results favour the microwave treatment over ultrasonic for better aggregate dispersion. Surprisingly, after the flocculent addition into the dispersed kaolinite slurry, particles were prevented from coagulation by polymer action. Best aggregation results were recorded at low pH, microwave treated and ultrasonic treated after small amounts of Smectite addition. Significant portion of the voids were found to be filled by air micro-bubbles which add buoyancy to the entire clay network, reinforcing it against gravitational sedimentation along with steric interaction inflicted by scaffolding-like clay platelets space network. Key Wards: Clay suspension structure; Georgia Kaolinite; Kaolinite; Kaolinite flocculation; minerals processing
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