Abstract
The global demand for pure industrial kaolin ores for paper, cosmetics, porcelain and metallurgical industries cannot be over emphasized. Thus, the need to continuously develop feasible and low-cost routes of ore processing to meet industrial demands becomes paramount. In this study, alumina powder of defined industrial utilities was prepared from a Nigerian kaolin ore containing admixtures of kaolinite (Al2.00Si2.00O5.00(OH)4.00: 96-900-9235), albite (NaAlSi3.00O8.00: 96-900-9664) and muscovite (KAl2.00(FOH)2.00: 96-900-1057), with traces of some other valuable mineral phases by acid leaching method using hydrochloric acid (HCl) as the lixiviant was examined. At optimal leaching conditions (6 M HCl, 70 °C, 6 h), the crystalline powder formed after precipitating to remove iron and other associated impurities was followed by washing, drying and quantitatively characterized. The pure α-alumina powder produced (Al2O3: 14-366-9038, melting point = 2064 °C, density = 3.99 g/cm3) as characterized could serve as a valuable product in the metallurgical and cosmetics industries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
