Characterization, beneficiation and utilization of a kaolinite clay from Assam, India

Kaolin available in Deopani, Assam of northeastern region of India was characterized by FTIR, XRD, DTA and by wet chemical analysis methods. The major impurities in the clay are quartz and siderite. Wet sieving of the clay by −53-μm sieve removes almost all the quartz and a major amount of Fe bearing impurities. The iron content of the clay may be reduced further by treating with wet high intensity magnetic separator (WHIMS) or leaching with organic acids. The effectiveness of various leachants follows the order: Oxalic>Oxalic+EDTA>Malonic>Citric acid. Almost all the nonstructural iron may be removed at room temperature by using 0.4 M oxalic acid solution. The leached clay may find use as a ceramic raw material and filler material for paper and other materials.