Abstract

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To evaluate the potential of Agbaja clay for industrial applications, a comprehensive analysis of its physico-chemical and mineralogical properties was undertaken. The clay exhibited a predominantly kaolinitic composition, as determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), with halloysite and illite as minor constituents. The chemical analysis revealed significant alumina (Al₂O₃) and silica (SiO₂) content at 38.68 wt% and 39.47 wt%, respectively, along with negligible alkali oxide impurities. The clay demonstrated plastic behavior with an Atterberg Plasticity Index of 15.45% and a neutral pH of 6.61. Based on these findings, Agbaja clay is deemed suitable for a wide range of applications including the production of refractory materials, vitreous ceramics, and as a filler in paper, rubber, plastic, and pharmaceutical industries. A notable characteristic is the colour transformation from milk white to light grey upon firing.

Keywords: Agbaja Clay, Atterberg Plasticity Index, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction