Mineralogical and Physical Characterization of Clay of Sitakunda Anticline: Used for Ceramic Industries

Abstract

This study focuses on mineralogical and chemical characterization of clay of Sitakunda anticline, Bangladesh and potential suitability of this shale as raw materials in ceramic industries. The shale which is clay in texture is composed of chlorite and kaolinite with common illite, smectite, quartz, mica and feldspar. There are two types of samples in color, grey and red. Chemical compositions of clay samples are analyzed by XRF and mineralogical composition of sample analyzed by XRD. Clay samples contain significant amount SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 with other minor compounds. The plasticity index (12.08 and 16.37) indicates medium ranges of the plasticity of clay. To determine the suitability of ceramic materials, samples were made in a rectangular shape for firing 850C to 1100C temperature. The samples were tested for different physical properties such as compressive strength, linear shrinkage, water absorption, porosity and bulk density. Low linear firing shrinkage (0.7% to 2.69%) and water absorption (1.5% to 11%) of the developed ceramic bodies were observed. Scanning Electron Microscope photographs confirm the vitrification of the ceramic bodies. The chemical, physical and ceramic properties of these clays indicate their suitability as raw materials for the production of a wide range of ceramic materials.