Bio/fossil fuels refining Appraisal of the Elemental distributions, SiO4 /AlO4 and Si/Al Ratios of Itu Virgin Kaolin

Abstract

There is some evidence from the literature supporting the abundant deposit of untapped kaolin clay in various locations in Itu, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.  Due to some established industrial applications of kaolin including catalysis, adsorption, ceramics, paper production, coating, plastic fillers, paint extenders, cement and ion-exchangers among others, the need to explore their presence in a given environment and the grade of kaolin present is necessary. Consequently, the present study is designed to evaluate the composition and implications of this mineral in the stated environment concerning their SiO₄ /AlO₄ and Si/Al ratios and also the elemental distributions in Itu virgin kaolin framework The results from the XRF analysis indicated varying concentrations of SiO₂, Fe₃O₂, K₂O, Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and TiO₂ with O, Al, Si, K, Ti, Fe, and Fe as the major chemical compounds. The calculated molar ratio of SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and Si/Al were found to be 2.244: 2.690 and 3.564:2.052, respectively. Based on these results there high tendency that the samples can be modified to form zeolite for biofuel purification.