Authors : A. Boulmokh , Y. Berredjem , K. Guerfi and A. Gheid
Abstract: Clay, in regard to its origin is unique. The kaolin of the mine of Djebel Debagh (Guelma, Algeria) has a hydrothermal geological formation. It presents it self a fragile and crumbly material, of whitish color. The characterization has for objective to situate to what family belongs this clay of the kaolin group (kaolinite, nacrite, dickite and halloysite). The elementary analysis showed the mineral to be composed mainly of aluminium, oxygen and silicon, with a low content of iron. The dehydrated state of the mineral was confirmed by XRD analysis; the basal spacing reflections indicate a sharp peak at 7.35 Å of d001 and the absence of a peak at 10Å form, which indicative of hydrated kaolin. Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), intercalate into the kaolin mineral and increases the basal pacing d001 from 7.35 Å to approximately 11.39 Å. The specific surface area measured by BETN2 of the mineral was very large (56.45m2.g 1). SEM studies indicated that the sample of kaolin was no uniform in content, containing a lot of tubular material, as well as large undesirable particle agglomerates. Others analysis methods (IR, TGA, DTA) were used investigations for the characterization and identification of kaolin.
A. Boulmokh , Y. Berredjem , K. Guerfi and A. Gheid , 2007. Kaolin from Djebel Debbagh Mine, Guelma, Algeria . Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 2: 435-440.