Characterization of technical kaolin using XRF, SEM, XRD, FTIR and its potentials as industrial raw materials

Abstract

Technical Kaolin is a commercially sold kaolin with a relatively low level of purity and is often used as a filler of paints, paper, and ceramics. In this study, we tested the technical properties of kaolin physically and chemically, which include XRF, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. Based on the XRF test, the main composition of kaolin, SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , K 2 O, Fe 2 O 3 , and TiO 2 were 46.66%, 39.63%, 0.84%, 0.55% and 0.274% respectively, while the rest were impurities. The FTIR spectra showed the functional groups of Al-OH, Al-O, and Si-O. While the XRD diffractogram identified kaolinite as the main mineral phase in the presence of quartz, chlorite, halloysite, and cristobalite tested in small quantities in the sample.