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Physico-chemical studies and mineralogical characterisation of clays for ceramic raw materials

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Abstract

The use of clay for ceramic application and the quality of ceramic products has been reported in the literature. Such scientific information has helped to improve the quality of ceramic products. However, the concept is yet to improve indigenous methods of processing clay materials used by local ceramic industries. This paper characterizes clay soils from Dei-dei junction, Ushafa Hills and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport road in northcentral Nigeria and the locally processed clay material used by the Ushafa Pottery Center for ceramic application. It assesses clay minerals and examines their suitability for ceramic and high-temperature applications. XRD, XRF, FTIR, and TG (Thermogravimetric) results show that processed clay samples are rich in SiO2 Al2O3 and can be fired at high temperatures without shrinkage. Physical–chemical studies also reveal that raw materials have the best balance of material properties required for ceramic applications. Local processing of clay samples (water extraction method) increases SiO2, Al2O3, and K2O. TG analysis revealed that the 4.3% mass loss due to Fe2O3 and dihydroxylation of structural OH is insignificant. High % Fe2O3 in the processed sample cannot affect the firing process and quality of the ceramic products, as earlier predicted, but may affect the aesthetics of the final ceramic products. The need to develop indigenous methods of reducing Fe2O3 as an alternative to the chemical leaching of clay with acids is recommended. A model for the promotion of indigenous ceramic industries is presented as a guide for policymakers to harness the potential of deeper interaction among government, research, and organized private sector operators towards increased contribution of the solid mineral sector to national development.

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Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the support of PASET-RSIF, SHESTCO, and AUST-PAMI (Nigeria), Professor Wole Soboyejo, and Professor Brajendra Mishra Research Laboratories at WPI, USA. We also thank Dr. Abdulkadri Muhktar (FUTMinna, Nigeria) and Engr. Mrs Blessing Nneka Ekwe (Uniabuja, Nigeria). They recommended research into this study and took the time to read the manuscript in its earlier version. The investigation received no specific grant from the public, commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.

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  1. Department of Material Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, P.M.B 681, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria

    David Oluwasegun Afolayan, Gbetoglo Charles Komadja & Azikiwe Peter Onwualu

  2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA

    David Oluwasegun Afolayan

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David Oluwasegun Afolayan contributed to conceptualization and resources; David Oluwasegun Afolayan and Gbetoglo Charles Komadja contributed to methodology, and David Oluwasegun Afolayan was involved in the formal analysis and investigation, writing, and original draft preparation, David Oluwasegun Afolayan, Gbetoglo Charles Komadja, and Azikiwe Peter Onwualu were involved in the writing, review, and editing.

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Afolayan, D.O., Komadja, G.C. & Onwualu, A.P. Physico-chemical studies and mineralogical characterisation of clays for ceramic raw materials. Arab J Geosci 15, 1453 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10716-z

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