Characterization of Tunisian smectite clays for industrial use

摘要

Smectite clays from some regions of Tunisia (El Hamma, Jebel Orbata, Jebel Stah, El Kef and Jebel Oust) were characterised with a view to potential industrial use. These clays occur in the Aleg Formation (Coniacian-Santonian), middle member of the Abiod Formation (Upper Campanian-Lower Maastrichtian), El Haria Formation (Maastrichtian-Paleocene) and Souar Formation (Lutetian-Priabonian). Samples were studied by X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, specific surface and cation exchange capacity. Mineralogical analysis indicated that the clay fraction consists mainly of smectite, associated with lesser amounts of kaolinite, illite, palygorskite and sepiolite. Results obtained were very good with some samples for decolouring of used mineral and vegetable oil, as well as for elimination of organic matter in phosphoric acid.