Characterization Of Clay Deposits Research Articles

Origin and characterization of clay deposits in the Dupi Tila Formation of the Bengal Basin, Bangladesh

Clay is one of the most important minerals having both geological and industrial significance. Clay lenses in the Dupi Tila Formation of the Bengal Basin have been investigated to characterize and determine their origin in terms of geological environment. Clay samples have been collected from the fresh cropped surface from the areas of Dupigaon (Jaintiapur Clay), Birisiri (Bijoypur Clay), and Bandarban (Bandarban Clay) in Bangladesh. Characterizations of the clay deposits have been carried out by field investigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analysis techniques, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Field investigation shows that clays are white, yellowish to variegated in color with a thickness of 15 cm to about 4 m, and moderately soft. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that kaolinite is the predominant clay mineral in all samples with minor amounts of quartz and feldspar. SEM analysis indicates that abundant tiny disc and irregular shape of kaolinite crystals are mixed with sparse gathers of K-feldspar and detrital quartz grains. The presence of silt in all the clay samples has been verified by the gran size ranges from laser particle size analysis. The grittiness is the result of the deposition of silt considering the highest percentage in Bandarban and Bijoypur and lowers in Jaintiapur. The XRF analysis shows that SiO2 (68–75%) is the most abundant among major oxides, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 come next, along with the lower percentage of MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, P2O5, and SO3. The average concentration of different trace elements has been ranging from 3 to 430 ppm. Several geochemical indices suggest that the sediments might be derived from the Shillong plateau and the Himalayas in the north and the Naga-Lushai-China Hill-Arakan Yoma mobile belt in the northeast, which are highly weathered sedimentary terrains. Provenance studies and elemental ratio supports the evidence of the felsic origin of the studied sample. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) value of 93% indicates the occurrence of significant weathering in different sediment recycling phases. From the results of the aforementioned analyses, it is clear that clay lenses in the Dupi Tila Formation are in-situ in origin and parent materials are detrital rather than authigenic nature confirmed by the presence of detrital quartz and reviewing the depositional environment, which gives us the insights of the geological condition of that time as well as the possible mode of sediment transportation.

Characterization of clay deposit in the central region of Piauí for use in the ceramic industry

ABSTRACT The clay ceramics industry comprises materials used in construction (bricks, tiles, and expanded clay, among others), is of great importance for Brazilian economic development, and the industry is seeking new sources of raw material, mainly clay. The present work aims to characterize a clay deposit located in the central region of the state of Piauí, to make feasible its use as ceramic raw material, seeking to boost the clay ceramics industry. The chemical composition, the crystalline phases, and the plasticity of the clay were analyzed. Specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressing, dried in an oven at 110 °C, and then heated to 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C. Bending strength, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, water absorption, and mineralogical, macrostructural, and microstructural analyses were determined. The results showed an improvement in the indices with the increase in the firing temperature and that the samples showed a reddish coloration due to the presence of iron, as well as quartz and kaolinite. Thus, the clay deposit has the potential to become raw material for the clay ceramics industry in the state of Piauí.

Characterization of clay deposits in the Adrar region, with a view to their valorization in the building materials industry

In the context of sustainable local development of the Adrar region, one of the largest regions in the Algerian Sahara. The search for local useful substances has been initiated by the Algerian state to cover the need for building materials in the construction industry. However, from a geological point of view, the Adrar zone is located in the extension of the primary chain of the Ougarta which separates two sedimentary basins of Reggane and Timimoun, as well as the basin of Sbâa. In this context, an experimental study is focused on the characterization of clay deposits, with a view to their valorization in the construction materials industry (ceramics) sector, with the aim of contributing to the use of local materials.

Characterization of clay deposits in the Adrar region, with a view to their valorization in the building materials industry

Characterization of clay deposits in the Adrar region, with a view to their valorization in the building materials industry