Compositional Characterization and Industrial Utilization of the Kutigi Clay Occurrence in Central Bida Basin, Nigeria.
Abstract:
This research delves into an investigation of the physical, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics of the Kutigi clay deposit located in the central Bida Basin of Nigeria. While previous studies have focused primarily on estimating its reserves, mineralogical, and geochemical properties, little attention has been given to its potential industrial applications based on its physical properties.
The findings from the field study indicate that the clay deposit is situated as a bed within the Enagi Formation, occurring irregularly in lenticular structures alongside sandstones, siltstones, and ironstones. The results from physical tests reveal liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index values ranging from 16.20 to 32.25%, 9.00 to 27.00%, and 2.28 to 10.56%, respectively. These values suggest that the clays generally exhibit low to medium compressibility, low swelling, and low to medium plasticity. Moreover, the low shrinkage values, ranging from 3.76% to 6.6%, indicate that the clay deposit serves as a suitable raw material for the ceramics industries.
Mineralogical analysis shows that the dominant clay mineral is kaolinite, while quartz represents the dominant non-clay mineral. Geochemical analysis indicates significant amounts of SiO2 (50.02 wt %) and Al2O3 (35.70%), with relatively lower levels of Fe2O3, Na2O, TiO2, CaO, MgO, and P2O5. However, the kaolinite content of 32.52 wt % is considerably lower than the required amount (93 – 99 wt %) for paper coating, making the clay deposit unsuitable for this purpose.
Comparing the mineralogy and chemical composition of the study clay with the specifications for paper, ceramics, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries reveals that it may not be suitable for these applications without beneficiation. Consequently, further processing may be necessary to enhance its suitability for specific industrial uses.
Compositional Characterization and Industrial Utilization of the Kutigi Clay Occurrence in Central Bida Basin, Nigeria.