Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry and X-ray powder diffractometry as complementary techniques in characterizing clay size fraction of kaolin

Abstract

This study aimed at demonstrating complementary roles offered by both Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry and x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) techniques in characterizing clay size fraction of kaolins. The clay size fraction of kaolin samples obtained from Kgwakgwe, Makoro, Lobatse and Serule kaolin occurrences and deposits in Botswana were characterized using laser diffraction particle size analyzer (LDPSA), FTIR spectrophotometry and XRPD techniques. More than 70 wt % of the clay size fraction of these samples were