Chemical investigation of kankara kaolin for its pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

Kaolin samples from Kankara in Kastina, North–West Nigeria was analysed to investigate its suitability for use as raw materials to pharmaceutical industries. The samples were analysed using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) with Near Infra–Red analytical techniques. The result showed that Kankara kaolin with Fe2O3 content of 2.4x10–5%, K2O content of 0.061%, Na2O content of 0.6%, TiO2 (BDL) and Ba2+ (BDL) meets the specification for use in pharmaceutical industries. Its Al2O3 content of 35.28% was above the threshold for pharmaceutical applications except if subjected to further chemical treatment. The Kankara kaolin was found to be reasonably good for use in drug formulation.