Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Clay minerals, such as kaolinites, micas, and smectites, are the basic constituents of clay raw materials, which are classically employed in the ceramic industry to produce porcelain, fine ceramics, coarse ceramics, cements, electro-ceramics, tiles and refractories. These products are mainly used in sectors of economic importance, such as agriculture, civil engineering, and environment. Clays are largely dependent on their structural, physical and chemical properties, including color and brightness, particle shape, size, and distribution, surface charge and area, viscosity, and other properties that are specific for certain applications. Clays are distinguished by their geological formation (residual and sedimentary), and their complexity and variability are due to the quantitative and qualitative variation of the clayey and non-clay minerals that form them, to the variation in the dimensional distribution of the mineral particles and to their textural characteristics. Many new industrial applications of clays have been developed. Clays are widely used in pharmaceutical formulations, spas and aesthetic medicine as active ingredients or excipients. Clay minerals are of paramount importance in diverse applications such as paper, paints and coatings, polymers and films. As new high-performance materials become more commonplace, the challenge is to find new ways of transforming clay minerals to provide the necessary functionality for them.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Rocha
Prof. Dr. Mazen Alshaaer
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Minerals minerals	2.2	4.1	2011	18 Days	CHF 2400
Catalysts catalysts	3.8	6.8	2011	12.9 Days	CHF 2200
Ceramics ceramics	2.7	3.0	2018	25.2 Days	CHF 1600
Polymers polymers	4.7	8.0	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2700

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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13 pages, 6761 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Activity of Metakaolin Produced by Traditional Rotary Kiln in China

by Rongchuan Cao, Zheng Fang, Man Jin and Yu Shang

Minerals 2022, 12(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12030365 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3071

Abstract

This paper analyzed the activity of coal-based metakaolin and non-coal-based metakaolin (ordinary metakaolin) commonly used in the Chinese market. The content of kaolin was detected by XPF. The phases of kaolin, metakaolin and corresponding alkali-excited reactants were detected by XRD. The contents of [...] Read more.

This paper analyzed the activity of coal-based metakaolin and non-coal-based metakaolin (ordinary metakaolin) commonly used in the Chinese market. The content of kaolin was detected by XPF. The phases of kaolin, metakaolin and corresponding alkali-excited reactants were detected by XRD. The contents of Al (IV), Al (V) and Al (VI) in kaolin and metakaolin were analyzed by ²⁷Al NMR. The micromorphology of kaolin and metakaolin were observed by SEM. The water-resistance of alkali-activated metakaolin was tested by immersion experiment. The results showed that a lot of corundum and quartz were present in the coal-based metakaolin, which was caused by over calcination. Furthermore, large amounts of sillimanite, quartz and cristobalite existed in ordinary metakaolin with a low content of amorphous aluminum silicate, which was caused by excessive impurities in the raw materials and over calcination. These crystalline substances could not react in an alkali solution, and their existence reduced the activity of the two metakaolins. Both of the two metakaolin production methods need to be improved to increase the activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals)

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15 pages, 1929 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Rhodamine B Dye Removal from Water by Acid- and Organo-Modified Halloysites

by Ewa Wierzbicka, Krzysztof Kuśmierek, Andrzej Świątkowski and Izabella Legocka

Minerals 2022, 12(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12030350 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4008

Abstract

The halloysite has been subjected to modification through ultrasound (HU), sulfuric acid (HU-SA), and oligocyclopentadiene resin (HU-OCPD). The modified materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, and [...] Read more.

The halloysite has been subjected to modification through ultrasound (HU), sulfuric acid (HU-SA), and oligocyclopentadiene resin (HU-OCPD). The modified materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, and tested as low-cost adsorbents for removal of Rhodamine B dye (RhB) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted to study the effect of different operational parameters such as adsorbent dose, solution pH, and contact time. It was observed that the adsorption was strongly pH-dependent and that solution pH at 2.0 had the greatest removal efficiency for the dye. The experimental data were modeled using several isotherm and kinetic models such as Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin as well as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion. It was found that the equilibrium adsorption data can be fitted well using the Freundlich isotherm model and the adsorption kinetics follows a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption capacity of HU, HU-SA, and HU-OCPD was found to be 8.37, 13.1, and 17.8 mg/g, respectively. The results revealed that surface modification of halloysite via acid activation and polymer loading results in a significant increase in the removal of RhB from aqueous solution. This study has shown potential on organo-halloysite for organic dye adsorption from water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals)

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21 pages, 8556 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Clays and Clay Minerals in the Construction Industry

by Nakshatra Bahadur Singh

Minerals 2022, 12(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12030301 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 13580

Abstract

Clay is a naturally occurring material that can be converted to different clay minerals through thermal treatments, and can be used for the development of different products. Clays and clay minerals have been used for different applications in different sectors. Detailed information regarding [...] Read more.

Clay is a naturally occurring material that can be converted to different clay minerals through thermal treatments, and can be used for the development of different products. Clays and clay minerals have been used for different applications in different sectors. Detailed information regarding the applications of these materials in the construction industry are described. Clay has been used as a supplementary cementitious material in Portland cement (OPC) mortars and concretes. These minerals decrease raw materials and CO₂ emissions during the production of Portland cement clinker and, at the same time, increase the compressive strength of concrete at a later age. Therefore, they are conducive to the sustainability of construction materials. A new type of cement, Limestone calcined clay cement (LC³), and a binding material geopolymer cement have also been developed using clay minerals. The properties of these binders have been discussed. Applications of clay products for making bricks have are also described in this article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals)

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22 pages, 4947 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Properties of Porous Phyllosilicate-Based Ceramics Shaped by Freeze-Tape Casting

by Kassoum Barry, Gisèle Laure Lecomte-Nana, Mohamed Seynou, Michael Faucher, Philippe Blanchart and Claire Peyratout

Ceramics 2022, 5(1), 75-96; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics5010007 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3376

Abstract

Porous phyllosilicate-based ceramics were manufactured by freeze-tape casting from clays of different particle size and morphology in order to characterize their microstructure and stress to rupture changes before and after firing. Three raw clays were selected: HCR (77% Halloysite–10Å), KORS (29% kaolinite), and [...] Read more.

Porous phyllosilicate-based ceramics were manufactured by freeze-tape casting from clays of different particle size and morphology in order to characterize their microstructure and stress to rupture changes before and after firing. Three raw clays were selected: HCR (77% Halloysite–10Å), KORS (29% kaolinite), and KCR kaolin (98% kaolinite). These clays exhibited a monomodal distribution and were used to prepare four slurries, three with each clay material and one consisting of a mixture of KCR and HCR labeled KHCR. After shaping by freeze-tape casting, the porosity and stress to rupture obtained by a biaxial flexural test were collected for disk-like samples after drying and sintering at 1200 °C. Results showed that KCR ceramic materials had the highest biaxial bending strength (70 ± 1.1 MPa) and those from KORS had the highest porosity value (80 ± 1%). SEM observation revealed a difference in microstructure and texture for the manufactured porous ceramic materials. In the KCR ceramic disks, the flattened pores appeared more textured, and the primary mullite crystallites formed a rigid skeleton within the amorphous phase. KORS ceramic materials showed a small quantity of secondary mullite needles which were randomly dispersed in a vitreous phase. The relatively important vitreous phase in the porous materials of HCR led to the bulk formation of small mullite particles. The biaxial flexural strength values were related to the presence of the mullite, as well as to the microstructure (volume, morphology, and size distribution of pores) after sintering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals)

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17 pages, 6930 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Point Defects on Electronic Properties and Structure of Talc (001) Surface by First Principles

by Xindi Ma, Huicong Du, Ping Lan, Jianhua Chen and Lihong Lan

Minerals 2022, 12(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12010069 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2247

Abstract

The surface structure and electronic properties of Mg vacancy defects on talc (001) and impurity defects with Fe, Mn, Ni, Al, and Ca replacing Mg atoms were calculated by using density functional theory. The calculation results show that the order of impurity substitution [...] Read more.

The surface structure and electronic properties of Mg vacancy defects on talc (001) and impurity defects with Fe, Mn, Ni, Al, and Ca replacing Mg atoms were calculated by using density functional theory. The calculation results show that the order of impurity substitution energy is Mn < Ni < Al < Ca < Fe. This indicates that Fe impurity defects are most easily formed in talc crystals. The covalent bonding between Si atoms and reactive oxygen atoms adjacent to impurity atoms is weakened and the ionic property is enhanced. The addition of Fe, Mn, and Ni atoms makes the surface of talc change from an insulator to a semiconductor and enhances its electrical conductivity. The analysis of electron state density shows that surface states composed of impurity atoms 4S orbital appear near the Fermi level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals)

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20 pages, 6548 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical, Geochemical, and Rock Mechanic Characteristics of Zeolite-Bearing Rocks of the Hatrurim Basin, Israel

by Łukasz Kruszewski, Vyacheslav Palchik, Yevgeny Vapnik, Katarzyna Nowak, Kamila Banasik and Irina Galuskina

Minerals 2021, 11(10), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11101062 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3244

Abstract

The Hatrurim Basin, Israel, is located on the western border of the Dead Sea Transform. This is one of the localities of a unique pyrometamorphic complex whose genesis remains problematic. This paper deals with zeolite-bearing rock that is known in the Hatrurim Basin [...] Read more.

The Hatrurim Basin, Israel, is located on the western border of the Dead Sea Transform. This is one of the localities of a unique pyrometamorphic complex whose genesis remains problematic. This paper deals with zeolite-bearing rock that is known in the Hatrurim Basin only. The strata subjected to zeolitization is called the “olive unit” and consists of anorthite–pyroxene (diopside–esseneite) hornfels. Zeolitization occurred in an alkaline environment provided by the interaction of meteoric water with Portland-cement-like rocks of the Hatrurim Complex. The resulting zeolite-bearing rocks contain 20–30% zeolitic material. The main zeolitic minerals are calcic: thomsonite-Ca ± Sr, phillipsite-Ca, gismondine-Ca, and clinoptilolite-Ca. The remainder is calcite, diopsidic pyroxene, garnets (either Ti-andradite and/or hydrogrossular), and less frequently, fluorapatite, opal, and others. Their major mineralogical and chemical compositions resemble carbonated zeolite-blended Portland mortar. Rocks show different values of porosity. Their mechanical characteristics are much better for samples with porosity values below 24%. The related parameters are like those of blended concretes. The minimal age of zeolitization is 5 Ka. The natural zeolite-bearing rocks are resistant to weathering in the Levant desert climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals)

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23 pages, 6554 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Imaging Study of the Pore Structure of the Cobourg Limestone—A Potential Nuclear Waste Host Rock in Canada

by Zhazha Hu, Shuangfang Lu, Jop Klaver, Jan Dewanckele, Alexandra Amann-Hildenbrand, Garri Gaus and Ralf Littke

Minerals 2021, 11(10), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11101042 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2943

Abstract

With the development of imaging technology, tools to quantitatively describe pore structure, morphology, and connectivity have been widely applied on low permeable rocks; however, it is still questionable to what extent this information can be used to predict permeability. Applicability and comparability of [...] Read more.

With the development of imaging technology, tools to quantitatively describe pore structure, morphology, and connectivity have been widely applied on low permeable rocks; however, it is still questionable to what extent this information can be used to predict permeability. Applicability and comparability of different techniques are discussed here for the Middle Ordovician Cobourg limestone (Canada), a rock dominated by calcite grains of variable sizes (µm–cm) and heterogeneously distributed quartz, dolomite, pyrite, and meshy clay minerals. Absolute porosities determined by helium pycnometry (HP) in literature are approximately 1.6% (±0.9%), and gas permeabilities range from 10⁻²⁰ to 10⁻¹⁹ m². Porosities obtained from BIB-SEM are much smaller compared to those from HP (16–69% of HP). Pores found in clays are smaller, slit-shaped, and more densely spaced when compared to those in calcite minerals. Connectivity between pores could not be resolved with 3D micro-CT or FIB-SEM reconstructions, which have a resolution limit of 8 µm and 10 nm, respectively. However, assuming the pores to be connected, laboratory-derived permeability data could be fitted using a simple capillary bundle model, including information about the visible pore size distributions obtained from BIB-SEM images and a tortuosity range of 8 to 15. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Industrial Application of Clays and Clay Minerals)

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