Mineralogical and Physical Changes during Sintering of Plastic Red Clays from Sanaga Swampy Valley, Cameroon

Nzeukou, Aubin Nzeugang; Traina, Karl; Mjedo, E.R.; Kamseu, Elie; Nyoja, A.; Melo, Uphie Chinje; Kamgang, B.V.; Cloots, Rudi; Fagel, Nathalie

doi:10.1007/bf03401056

Cited by 7 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The greatest tendency for this decreasing movement was observed from 1100°C for all samples. This may be due to the presence of a fluxing element that would produce a liquid phase likely to induce low open porosity (Kamseu et al , 2007; Nzeukou et al , 2014). In applications for red porous bodies (wall tiles at 1120–1180°C; Dondi et al , 2014), fluxes are necessary to reduce these values of water absorption to <10% or <1% (at temperatures <1300°C) for soft porcelain composition (Kamseu et al , 2007).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The organic matter may be beneficial for low-plasticity clays such as the kaolins, as it increases plasticity and viscosity (Dill, 2016). However, because it has a negative effect on the fabrication of ceramics, it is preferable to decompose the organic matter by using oxidizing firing atmospheres and pre-treating the clays (Nzeukou et al , 2014; Barrchina et al , 2017). The organic matter burns off during firing, increasing the loss of mass as well as the Fe content (Dill, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Characterization of kaolin from Mankon, northwest Cameroon

et al. 2018

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A kaolin deposit from Mankon (northwest Cameroon) was prospected and studied for potential applications in ceramics. Six samples were investigated with X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the mineralogical composition and with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the chemical composition and properties for ceramic applications. The main minerals in the clays are kaolinite/halloysite and anatase associated with alunite, illite, gibbsite and maghemite. The kaolin samples have abundant organic matter (4–10%) and low absorption of methylene blue (0.2–2.5 meq/100 g), while SiO2 (33.28–56.31%) and Al2O3 (19.26–35.87%) are major oxides. The particle-size distribution derived from sieving and the hydrometer method indicates that 12–38% of the samples are in the <2 μm clay fraction. The clays have low to moderate plasticity (7–21%). One sample with K-feldspar and plagioclase displays the necessary properties for red ceramic products. SEM confirmed the occurence of halloysite in sample M9. The high kaolinite/halloysite content (64–97%), associated with low Fe2O3 content (0.5–1.4%) demonstrates that five samples are suitable raw materials for white firing industrial kaolin.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of kaolin from Mankon, northwest Cameroon

et al. 2018

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“…The origin of these clayey soils may be related to the bisiallitization weathering mechanism favored by hydrological and morphoclimatic conditions in the northen area of Cameroon. All these factors lead to the concentration of bases (K 2 O, Na 2 O, CaO) and silica (SiO 2 ) creates favorable conditions for the genesis of montmorillonite mineral (smectite) which have significant swelling potential due to large seasonal variations in moisture and rainfall [4,9,24]. In that area, this behavior can damage some engineering structures such as single-family residential buildings.…”

Section: Geotechnical Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…contributes to the development of the local economy (creation of local jobs that cannot be relocated). Many researchers are focusing their works on clayey soils in engineering applications such as geopolymers for road and building materials [3], ceramic application for fired bricks and porcelains [4][5][6][7] and materials for backfill and core of earth fill dams [2,[8][9][10][11]. In North Cameroon, clayey soils at Boulgou are extracted by the local population for pottery, plastering walls of houses and the production of construction materials (adobes and fired bricks using clamp kilns).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clayey soils from Boulgou (North Cameroon): geotechnical, mineralogical, chemical characteristics and properties of their fired products

et al. 2021

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In this study, clayey soils are characterized as backfill and potential fusible raw materials for engineering. Geotechnical tests (particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, densities) and chemico-mineralogical analyses (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared) were carried out on samples collected from field in the locality of Boulgou (North Cameroon) followed by the determination of mechanical properties of fired bricks (850–1200 °C). The excavations carried out have revealed a thick layer of clayey soils (~ 2 to 2.5 m) over a sandy layer. This clay formation presents some stratifications with limited influence variation in terms of mineralogy. Mean grain size distribution is dominated by sand (62–80%), clay (12–25%) and silt (6–9%). It corresponds to silty–clayey soils regarding their methylene blue values (3.3–5.6), with low plastic (13–22%) to high plastic (33%) characteristics. They are classified by USCS as clayey sand/silty clay, while one sample is a poorly graded sand (SP). Clay minerals observed are kaolinite (6–12%), montmorillonite (2–6%) and illite (8–10%). Those parameters associated with their fine nature and high compressibility make them suitable engineering applications for backfill material and barriers. From chemical analyses, relatively high contents in alkali and alkaline earth elements (~ 4 to 6%) to be used as potential fusible raw materials for fired bricks or gres ceramics were revealed. Bricks characteristics are varied: linear shrinkage (0.3 to 9%), bulk density (1.8 to 2.3 g/cm3), water absorption (19.7 to 1.3%) and flexural strength (0.3 to 17.4 MPa). Overall, the requirement for fired brick (< 20%) is met up by the water absorption values. As from 1050 °C, these soils are made suitable for brick-making with good characteristics (metallic sound, good cohesion and flexural strength).

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“…Due to its geographical location and geological context, Cameroon (Central Africa) has widespread clay deposits (Elimbi et al , 2003; Nkoumbou et al , 2008, 2009; Ngon Ngon et al , 2009; Ekosse, 2010; Nzeukou et al , 2013; Fadil-Djenabou et al , 2014; Tassongwa et al , 2014; Ndjigui et al , 2016). The potential uses of these clay materials include ceramic products such as bricks, tiles, refractories and fine porcelain (Elimbi et al , 2002; Kamseu et al , 2007; Djangang et al , 2007, 2008a,b; Pialy et al , 2009; Diko et al , 2011; Nzeukou et al , 2014; Ndjigui et al , 2015). Nevertheless, there are few industrial units in the country; some local producers exist, but their handmade products are generally of poor quality.…”

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confidence: 99%

Mineralogy and geochemical features of Foumban clay deposits (west Cameroon): genesis and potential applications

et al. 2018

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Five clay deposits in Foumban, west Cameroon, were studied for their morphological, mineralogical and geochemical properties to determine their suitability for ceramics. The clays were examined with X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermal gravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Field studies showed that a homogeneous clayey layer occurs at the upper part of the laterite cover of the interfluves, while the valleys are occupied by a clayey heterogeneous hydromorphic material. The clays are composed of kaolinite, illite, smectite and chlorite, associated with quartz, K-feldspars, plagioclase, goethite, traces of rutile and hematite. Geochemical analyses of these samples show a relatively large amount of SiO2(45–71%), Al2O3(14–31%) and relatively little Fe2O3(up to 11%), suggesting weathering of mainly granitic and rhyolitic parent rocks. The majority of these clays may be used in the production of structural ceramics such as bricks (refractory or not) and tiles. The relatively high proportion of the alkalis (K2O + Na2O; 6–8%) in some samples from Marom and Njindare areas might be responsible for the low firing temperatures. The abundance of smectite limits the application of some Koutaba and Marom clays for structural ceramics, while the high Fe2O3contents (>8%) in some Bangourain clays indicate that some pre-treatment might be necessary prior to use.

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Mineralogical and Physical Changes during Sintering of Plastic Red Clays from Sanaga Swampy Valley, Cameroon

Cited by 7 publications

References 17 publications

Characterization of kaolin from Mankon, northwest Cameroon

Characterization of kaolin from Mankon, northwest Cameroon

Clayey soils from Boulgou (North Cameroon): geotechnical, mineralogical, chemical characteristics and properties of their fired products

Mineralogy and geochemical features of Foumban clay deposits (west Cameroon): genesis and potential applications

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