Physicochemical characterization by AXRF and XRD analysis of clays samples from Bulungu, Kwilu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Abstract

This study analysed four clay samples from Bulungu, Kwilu Province, DRC, using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that these clays are made up of oxides regarding their decreasing proportions: silica (over 50%), alumina (20%), iron oxide (10%) and potassium oxide (over 5%). Mineralogically, they mainly contain illite (over than 50%), kaolinite (19%), albite (5%) and microcline (10%), with a low percentage of quartz (less than 3%) which makes them suitable for use in cement industrys. Trace element analysis reveals the presence of Rb>Zn>Cr>Ni>Cu>Th>U in decreasing proportions. Thermo gravimetric analysis shows a weight loss of around 18% at 800°C.