Book

Description

This study addresses the mineralogical and thermal analysis of Tertiary weathered materials developed on pyroclastites and granites of the Bana complex (West-Cameroon) in order to use them in ceramic industry. These are evaluated by estimating mineralogy using X-ray diffraction, geochemical analysis, thermal analyses and geotechnical characterization. The weathering materials are hyperaluminous and Fe-Ti-Al rich clays. There are made up of kaolinite, illite, gibbsite and accessory quartz, hematite, rutile and apatite. The analyses of geothechnical traits were performed on six representative mixtures of Tertiary clay samples. Each mixture is fired at four different temperature 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 °C. Firing characteristics such as color, linear shrinkage, water absorption, and mechanical resistance to the inflection were determined. These weathering materials have qualities necessary for the manufacture of ceramic faience and earthenware production. The high alumina content Al2O3 > 40% gives to weathered materials (BT5 and BP6) a refractory behavior.