Moroccan clays for potential use as aluminosilicate precursors for geopolymer synthesis

Abstract

Three Moroccan clays, denoted A1, A3 and A5, were sampled from the Fez region with the aim of potential use as aluminosilicate precursors for geopolymer synthesis. Each clay was subjected to calcination at 700 °C and analyzed using DTA/TG, grain size distribution measurements, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy before and after heat treatment. The results showed that the three clays contain kaolinite in different proportions in addition to some associated minerals, such as quartz, hematite, calcite and dolomite. Heat treatment successfully activated the clay by the amorphization of kaolinite, which is essential for geopolymerization. Some other changes were observed in the associated minerals, especially carbonates, which partially or totally decomposed depending on the clay, while other minerals remained intact. The SBET and NBO values are in accordance with the degree of polymerization, and the obtention of consolidated materials is possible by alkali activation of the calcined clays.