Abstract:
This study examines the mineral composition
and kaolinite crystallinity of Cretaceous and Paleogene/
Neogene kaolins from Nigeria based on X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
data of the <2 μm fraction. The purpose of this
was to assess the minerals present, structural order, and
possible industrial applications of the kaolins. A total
of twenty-eight (28) samples comprising of fifteen (15)
Cretaceous and thirteen (13) Paleogene/Neogene kaolins
were analysed. The XRD results showed that both the
Cretaceous and Paleogene/Neogene kaolins have kaolinite
as the dominant phase followed by quartz with
anatase, hematite, and goethite occurring in minor quantities.
Based on the mineralogical composition, the Paleogene/
Neogene deposits were classified as sandy kaolin
and the Cretaceous depositswere classified as pure kaolin.
The kaolinite structural order for the Cretaceous pure
kaolin was higher than that obtained for the Paleogene/
Neogene sandy kaolin with more quartz, iron, and
titanium oxides. The economic consideration of the deposits
showed that the sandy kaolin type can be used in
pigment industrial applications whereas the pure kaolin
type can be used in refractory, fiberglass, and ceramic industrial
applications.
