Characterisation of Clay Minerals from Abia State Deposits for Potential Industrial Applications

Clay minerals represent economically significant raw materials for ceramics, paper, pharmaceuticals, and environmental engineering industries, yet many Nigerian clay deposits remain poorly characterised and commercially underutilised. This study characterises clay mineral samples collected from three deposit sites in Abia State, South East Nigeria, to evaluate their potential for selected industrial applications. Samples are subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis for mineral phase identification, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for chemical composition, differential thermal analysis for thermal behaviour, and scanning electron microscopy for morphological characterisation. Physical properties including plasticity index, linear shrinkage, and green strength are also determined using standard ceramic testing procedures. The clay deposits are assessed for the presence of kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite, and associated accessory minerals that influence industrial suitability. Results are compared against international quality specifications for ceramic grade and paper coating grade clays. It is anticipated that samples from certain deposit sites will exhibit high kaolinite content and appropriate plasticity for ceramic applications, while others may contain impurities requiring beneficiation. The study contributes to geological and materials science databases, provides commercially relevant characterisation data, and informs the downstream manufacturing sector about locally available raw material options in the South East geopolitical zone. Keywords: clay minerals, characterisation, X-ray diffraction, Abia State, industrial applications