Abstract
A study was carried out on leaching of Nigerian kaolin ore by Oxalic acid (C 2 H 2 O 4 .2H 2 O). The raw kaolin ore from Share, North central Nigeria was characterised by EDXRF (X-ray fluorescence) and major constituents were SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and minor amounts of K 2 O, Na 2 O, CaO, TiO 2 , along with colour-imparting Fe 2 O 3 and MnO that need to be remove to upgrade the kaolin suitability for industrial usages. The effects of parameters such as C 2 H 2 O 4 concentration, temperature, and particle size were investigated. Under the standard leaching conditions of −75+63 μm particle size, 75 °C and 0.15 mol/L C 2 H 2 O 4, about 78.5% of kaolin ore was reacted within 120 minutes. Comparison of the EDX analysis of the raw and leached kaolin showed removal efficiency of 97.1% for the iron at optimal leaching conditions. Energy of activation of 17.65 kJ/mol was obtained in the study supports the proposed diffusion control mechanism for the dissolution process.
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
