Characterization of Montmorillonite Clay from Naturally Occurring Clay Deposits in Murunkan Area

Abstract

Engineering fields widely use montmorillonite(MMT) nano clay for wide range of applications. Identify the presence of MMT and other minerals in naturally occurred clay deposits in Murunkan region and discussing the possibilities to extract MMT for commercial purpose was the objective of this research. In this research, naturally occurring clay deposits in Murunkan region was considered. Non-clay particles were removed in order to enhance the clay content and to prepare the samples. Selected samples were undergone characterizations method such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential thermal analysis (DTA), linear shrinkage test, X-ray diffraction (XRD). Then MMT was isolated through the process of ultrasonic treatment and sedimentation. Presence of MMT in higher percentage is ensured through X-ray diffraction analysis on Murunkan clay. The ultrasonic method and sedimentation method has improved the amount of finer particles and removed coarse particles.