ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effect of temperature on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of untreated Gegu Egba clay from Kogi State, Nigeria. The research examines changes in the clay's structure and composition when subjected to controlled thermal conditions between 200°C and 400°C. A combination of analytical techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), was used to characterize the clay samples.
Findings indicate that increasing temperature results in an expansion of pore size and volume, with compositional changes observed in elemental content. SEM analysis revealed increased porosity at higher temperatures, while EDX identified variations in the presence of elements such as titanium and sulfur. FT-IR confirmed the presence of key functional groups, with slight shifts due to thermal effects. BET analysis demonstrated a minor reduction in total surface area at 400°C but an increase in adsorption capacity. XRD analysis showed quartz as the dominant mineral phase, alongside kaolinite and feldspar minerals, with minor structural modifications due to heat exposure.
These results highlight the influence of temperature on the structural and mineralogical properties of Gegu Egba clay. The study provides insights into its potential applications in industrial processes, including ceramics, adsorption, and refractory materials. Understanding these thermal effects contributes to optimizing the use of local clay resources, promoting cost-effective and sustain/nable industrial applications.
