The Physical Properties and Geochemical of Clay from the Bestari Jaya, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia for Potential Usage

Abstract

The study emphasis on physical properties and geochemical of the clays from Bestari Jaya area to determine its suitability for any commercial application. Nine samples collected from six boreholes as representative of white and dark clay in the study area. All samples examined through the optical properties test and physical properties such as moisture, specific gravity, Atterberg limit and particle size distributions. The geochemical and mineralogical conducted using XRF and XRD analysis. The clays from Bestari Jaya considered of having variation in the brightness from medium to high brightness as shown by Delta L value (51.32-73.49%). The moisture content ranges between 34.50-81.03%. The plasticity index (PI) and plasticity limit (PL) values found in ranges of 18-32% with an average of 22.22%, and 32-46% with an average of 37.11% respectively. The plasticity limit and index reveals that the Bestari Jaya clays can be classify as kaolinite clays that are suitable for pottery and brick making. The specific gravity ranges between 2.49 – 2.70 with an average of 2.61. The average value is similar to the value of pure china clay (2.6). The SiO2 content in Bestari Jaya clays is between 37.49 – 69.96 wt% and Al2O3 is between 18.92 – 33.02 wt%. While the L.O.I values are between 8.71-16.04%. Kaolinite as the dominant mineral phases in all clay samples with composition ranges from 65-97.7% and an average of 73.12%. Apart of that, quartz in ranges of 5.3 – 20.6%, identified in almost all samples. Muscovite, hematite and magnetite occur as accessory minerals. Referring to standard and result obtained on representative sample, the Bestari Jaya clays potentially used in the production of smaller tiles for unexclusive pedestrian traffic. The presence of significance amount of heavy metals makes it unsuitable to use in the pharmaceutical or paper industry.