Composite material development for industrial uses is a critical technology in solid waste management. In this study, we report, for the first time, the synthesis of thermally cured hybrid polystyrene composites by the reinforcement of polystyrene waste with aluminium powder and local clay. The composites were developed by hand layup technique and thermally cured in an oven for 3 hours at 200°C. The microstructural and thermal properties of the resulting composites were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FTIR analysis showed chemical interactions between the hybrid fillers by the appearance and disappearance of several peaks. The composites' surfaces were predominantly heterogeneous, with dazzling and glittering appearances, according to SEM analysis. The thermal property test revealed that increasing the clay component enhances the composites' heat capacity. The hardness analysis showed that the inclusion of fillers in doping amounts (6.25% each) produces composites with superior mechanical qualities. This is basically a preliminary materials characterization study. Future work should ascertain the electrical applications of the composites after establishing an optimal curing temperature. 

Production of thermally cured polystyrene composite reinforced with aluminium powder and clay

The rocks underlying many parts of Southeastern Nigeria had undergone extensive alterations to form considerable clay deposits. The mineralogical compositions of some of these clay deposits were evaluated with the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) method to ascertain the suitability of the deposits as raw materials. Results of the analyses indicated that kaolinite (Al2Si2O5 (OH)4) is the dominant clay mineral. Traces of bentonite and dickite were also observed, while the identified non-clay minerals were quartz and iron. Chemical analysis of the clays revealed the predominance of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and TiO with values ranging from 31.70 to 56.45%, 19.30 to 29.30%, 3.11 to 29.42% and 2.21 to 7.04%, respectively, while the compositions of CaO, MgO, Na2O, and MnO in the analyzed samples were relatively lower with values ranging from 0.19 to 0.29%, 0.13 to 0.19%, 0.11 to 0.70% and 0.01 to 0.03%, respectively. The Al2O3/TiO2 ratio (3.7 to 13.5) of the studied clays indicated a mafic to intermediate igneous rock origin. Binary plots of TiO2 versus Al2O3 to distinguish between granitic and basaltic sourced clays indicated basalt-rhyolite/granite provenances. The high chemical index of alteration (95.8%), chemical index of weathering (98.3%) and low contents of alkali and alkali earth elements (averaging 0.11%) of the clay-rich sediments, is indicative of a relatively intense weathering source area. The SiO2-K2O/Na2O plots suggested that the sediments in the study area were deposited between passive and active continental margins. In comparison with other reference clays and standard specifications, the clay deposits in the study area possess characteristics satisfactory for economic and some engineering purposes.

	Key words: Chemical, clay, deposits, economic, mineralogical, potentials, provenance.

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Mineralogical and geochemical properties of clay deposits in parts of Southeastern Nigeria

This paper reviews the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of clays found in southern part of Nigeria, with a view to determine its usability. The usability of clays, depends on its chemical and mineralogical charactertics, the end product of clay after it is been processed is also based on it’s charactertics. From reviewed literature, it was observed that sampled clay within the study area were analyzed using the XRD, XRF and ICPMS method. Further findings also revealed that the dominant clay minerals within the study area include montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite. On the other hand, it was observed that non-clay minerals such as feldspar, quartz, dickite and many others were found with clay as revealed by several scholars. While chemical charactertics of clay consists mainly of Al 2 O 3 , K 2 O, CaO and SiO 2 , with other major oxides such as P 2 O 5 , MgO, Fe 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , MnO and Na 2 O. Some trace elements such Be, Ba, Sc, Sr, Zr, V and Y were reported to be present in clays deposit found in selected part of Ogun state. From reviewed articles, it was observed that mineralogical and chemical charactertics of clay make it suitable for pharmaceutical, textile, cosmetic and polymer industries, but considered to be fairly suitable for oil and gas industry.

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A Synoptic Review of Mineralogical and Chemical Characteristics of Clays in the Southern Part of Nigeria

The intent of this paper was to explore the physical and chemical characteristics of clays in Kebbi State, Nigeria, and the clays were compared with standard clay which is considered with highest quality standard in casting. Clay’s deposits from Dukku River along River Rima, Jega River which is the tail end of River Niger and Yauri were investigated for their potentials as raw materials used for casting and ceramic industries. Samples were collected from three local governments’ areas at the bank of the Rivers. Chemical analyses of individual clay were determined by employing four different techniques as follows; Complexiometric Titration, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The data collected from the analyses revealed that the structures of clay minerals were mainly kaolinite, Smectite (bentonite), and illite, and non-clay minerals for the three places were mainly quartz, feldspars and gibbsite. The results obtained revealed high silicate clays and moderate alumina content with trace elements of oxides (Fe2O3, CaO, K2O, TiO2, MgO, MnO, Na2O) also present within acceptable limits. Physical tests results at 900°C and 1300°C were used to determine firing shrinkage, colour, and modulus of rupture, bulk modulus, apparent density, crack formation, apparent porosity, water absorption, and bulk densities. The modulus of rupture, bulk densities, and fired linear shrinkage of all the samples increase with increasing firing temperature. The findings of this work revealed that the clays minerals from Dukku and Yauri had the necessary properties for the foundry work and refractory applications, but clays from Jega, can be exploited for commercial purposes after beneficiation by reducing the level of iron, quartz and other impurities.

	Key words: Clay minerals, chemical analysis, firing characteristics, oxides.

https://www.africaneditors.org/journal/IJPS/full-text-pdf/11301-112728

S. A. Salihu

Papers

Comparative analysis of physical and chemical characteristics of selected clays deposits found in Kebbi State, Nigeria