EVALUATION OF THE PHYSIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF A CLAY MINERAL DEPOSIT FROM EDO STATE
Abstract
The evaluation of clay mineral deposits is crucial for understanding their potential industrial applications. This study focuses on characterizing a clay mineral deposit from Edo State, Nigeria, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Analysis of the characterization of the clay mineral sample including its structural features and element composition using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD analysis revealed a predominance of bentonite (86.78%), supplemented by minor amounts of kaolin (9.92%) and quartz (3.30%). FTIR spectra confirmed characteristic absorption bands of bentonite, including hydroxyl group vibrations and structural features consistent with literature reports. SEM images depicted the clay's microstructure as dispersed filmy particles of varying sizes. EDS analysis identified significant levels of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, with trace amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium, titanium, magnesium, carbon, and iron. The comprehensive evaluation highlights the clay mineral sample to be predominantly bentonite, suitable for diverse industrial applications due to its structural integrity.
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