Industrial Evaluation of Kaolinite around Esa-Oke and Its Environs, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Residual clay occurrences developed over Basement Complex rocks around Esa-Oke and its environs in southwestern Nigeria were investigated to evaluate their industrial properties. Field observation on colour and texture showed that the clay bodies in the environment vary from reddish – whitish colour with gritty textural characteristics. Powdered samples of representative clay bodies were selected for routine mineralogical analysis using X-ray diffractometer while major and trace elements were determined using X-ray fluorescence with spectrometer. Mineralogical studies showed that kaolinite is the only clay mineral in the weathered clay samples analyzed while phlogopite and quartz constitute non-clay mineral.
Chemical data showed that SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 with values 64, 27 and 5wt% respectively, constitute about 96% of the bulk chemical composition. Industrial suitability of clay bodies revealed that reddish clays in the environment could serve as raw material for brick production, ceramic wares and also good for non-bearing wall material. On other hand, whitish clay in the environment if properly processed through screening by reducing particle size, could be used in textile, plastic, paint and paper industries.