Empirical Review of Processing Potentials for Investing in Ohiya-Ibere Industrial Clay Reserves
Authors: Ikechukwu EP, Nwankwojike BN, Ibeh IM, Aniuga, C, Onwuka SO, Edeh CJ
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
The effects of beneficiation/acid leaching on the compositions and specific applications of industrial clay reserves at Ohiya and Ibere in Abia State of Southeastern Nigeria were experimentally assessed in this study to resolve the conflicting reports on their quality that scare investors. The clay samples were analyzed/characterized with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), Lweropho reflectometer and X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and graded using Ideal pure-kaolin, Chester and Grimshaw kaolin compositional and ISO-brightness (R 457) specifications. Results confirmed that both Ohiya and Ibere clays are kaolinitic with total clay minerals content of 89.8% and 81.9% respectively while alumina and silica constitute dominant oxides in both clays. Beneficiation improved alumina and silica contents of both clays within the set limits and deteriorated their iron oxide contents and brightness/whiteness indices but acid-leaching brought these parameters to specifications. Thus, the raw clays can be used as fireclay refractory and ceramics materials only but beneficiation/acid leaching are essential for their effective ceramics, filling, pharmaceutical, coating and allied industrial applications.
Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Clay Reserves, Industrial Applications, Characterization, Acid Leaching, Beneficiation
Published date: 2020/12/30
