Characterisation of some Clays Used for Whiteware Ceramics I. Mineralogical composition

• Main Authors: Marcel Benea, Maria Gorea
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cluj University Press 2002-04-01
• Series: Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai: Geologia
• Online Access: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/geologia/vol47/iss1/art1/

In order to obtain a semiquantitative mineralogical composition of raw materials used for whiteware ceramics, four different clay types were analysed by X-ray diffraction. Studies were carried out by using a combination of analyses of the bulk sample, and of the fine fraction. Using a well-established pre-treatment methodology (use of chemicals, ultrasonic treatment, dispersion procedures), clay mineral concentration by centrifugation and sedimentation, oriented and random powder preparation, cation saturation, expansion/dehydration methods, 12 X-ray diffractometer traces were obtained from each sample. Based on these informations it was possible to establish the qualitative mineralogical composition, and also a semiquantitative one using peak intensities and peak area corrected by various factors. Scanning electron microscopy was also used in order to illustrate the identified mineral phases.