XRD and HRTEM characterization of pyrophyllite from Morocco and its possible applications

Samples of pyrophyllite material from a deposit in south Morocco were characterized in order to assess their possible applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) techniques have been used for qualitative and quantitative phase identification and for crystal symmetry determination of pyrophyllite. The raw material mainly consists of pyrophyllite, quartz and mica-like. Pyrophyllite and mica-like are homogeneous phases, with respective compositions Si4(Al1.92Mg0.12)O10(OH)2 and K0.85(Si3.25Al0.75)(Al1.9Mg0.1)O10(OH)2. They show a good crystallinity, a lack of structural defects and occur as stable polytypes, namely, 1Tc for pyrophyllite and 2M1 for mica-like. Analytical results revealed the potential use of this pyrophyllite-rich material, particularly to produce fibre-glass.