Characterization of Ogwuta Source Clay Using Advanced Analytical Tools

One of the naturally abundant minerals with diverse industrial applications is the clay mineral. The choice of application depends on the characteristics of the clay. In this study, internal composition of the large and untapped Ogwuta clay deposit located in Afikpo, South Eastern Nigeria was further investigated as a guide to its applications. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric (TG), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were employed to access its composition. The scanning electron micrograph revealed that the clumping of the clay particles was due to edge-to-edge, edge-to-face or face-to-face flocculation. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that at temperature range of 153-325°C, the observed weight percent loss (13.67%), consistent with kaolinitic clays, was due to the removal of water of crystallization of the interlayer cations. X-ray diffraction result further revealed kaolinite as the predominant mineral with the presence of quartz and polygorskite. This study has revealed the applicability of Ogwuta source clay in both industrial and manufacturing activities.