Potential commercial evaluation of kaolin clay deposit from different origin and genesis
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Date
2017-06
Authors
Siti Nazalinda Binti Abdul Aziz
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Abstract
Clay from Lenggong (LA 1), Tanjung Rambutan (TR 1) and Trong (TA 1), Perak
with different origin and genesis were analysed to evaluate their potential commercial for
industrial uses. Lenggong and Tanjung Rambutan clay is primary kaolin clay deposit
whereas Trong clay is a secondary clay deposit. They were analysed by using X-ray
Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Differential Thermal Analysis
(DTA) / Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis.
Other test included particle size analysis, moisture content, plasticity, color, firing test,
pH test, and fired body test are also done. Kaolin from Lenggong and Tanjung Rambutan
have silica content of 64.39% and 56.22%, iron content (Fe2O3) <1% and rutile content
<1% meet the specifications of ceramic industry. Tanjung Rambutan kaolin also has
potential to be commercialized as raw material for filler or coating material in paper or
paint manufacturing. However, finer size particle should be used to improve its fired body
properties. Shrinkage value for all clay in this project is significantly high which is > 11%
but it is increasing with firing temperature from 700oC to 1100 oC. There are several
properties of Trong clay that meet the specifications of industry but its iron content is
quite high for the clay to be used in industry. One of the way to improve the quality of the
clay is to reduce the amount of iron content in the clay by using organic acid leaching
method.