Effects of Lizardite Addition on Technological Properties of Forsterite-monticellite Rich Ceramics Prepared from Natural Magnesite and Dolomite

Lizardite rich peridotite has never been used to prepare ceramic specimens, especially in Morocco. For this raison, potential use of naturally abundant lazirditic material from the Rif domain, as a supply for ceramic industry, has been evaluated. The effects of lizardite addition to magnesite and dolomite mixtures on the thermomechanical properties of the calcined ceramics were also detailed. To achieve this target, natural lizardite, magnesite and dolomite samples were collected in ultrabasic Beni Bousra massif. Those raw samples were used for the synthesis of a forsterite-monticellite rich ceramics. Both raw and sintered samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and fourier transform infrared. The obtained results showed that both magnesite and dolomite were mainly composed of MgCO3 and CaCO3. In contrast, lizardite sample showed high amounts of SiO2, MgO and Fe2O3. An increased amount of lizardite in the initial mixtures enhanced mechanical and dimensional properties of the prepared ceramic specimens, and subsequently, the production of ceramics with the required technological properties. Thus, the preparation of Moroccan lizardite-based ceramics is technically feasible, economically justifiable and socially desirable due to the contribution to the economic growth of the raw materials sector, especially ceramic industry

Hydrochemistry and geothermometry of thermal water in northeastern Morocco

Abstract Thermal water in northeastern Morocco is a promising, sustainable resource of energy. To date, thermal water has not been used as a source of renewable energy in Morocco as no clear strategy has yet been developed for its use. In this study, 10 samples (boreholes and springs) of thermal water distributed within the basin of the Moulouya River were assessed, and their physical and chemical parameters (such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and major ionic composition, including the K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO4 2−, NO3 −, NO2 −, NH4 +, H2PO4 −, CO3 2−, and HCO3 −) were measured. The results show that the temperature, pH, and EC range between 28 and 55 °C (as measured in field), 5.46 and 7.50, and 478 and 15,580 µS/cm, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicate the presence of four main hydrogeochemical facies dominating the hydrogeological system, which are Na–Cl, Na–Ca–Cl, Ca–Mg–HCO3, and Na–Ca–HCO3. The geothermal reservoirs of the different samples were investigated by the means of several geochemical methods, including the Giggenbach Na–K–Mg diagram, two geothermometers (Na–K–Mg), and the determination of the saturation index. We noticed different estimated geothermal reservoir temperatures over the range 80–170 °C

CHARACTERIZATION OF NEOGENE MARLS FROM THE KERT BASIN (N.E. MOROCCO): SUITABILITY FOR THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY

The North-Eastern region of Morocco is filled with marine marls of Neogene age. The Neogene marls from the lower-Kert area were characterized to evaluate their suitability in the ceramic industry. To meet this objective, two cross-sections involving all the Neogene facies were performed on the both banks of the Kert River. Grey and green marls occurring between sandstone and tuffs were characterized by mineralogical (XRD) and physico-chemical analyses (grain-size, Atterberg limits, XRF, and specific surface area). The studied Neogene clays are mainly calcareous silty marls with CaCO3 content ranging from 13 to 20 wt.%. The mineralogical composition showed the occurrence of quartz, calcite, feldspars, dolomite, illite, kaolinite, chlorite, and mixed-layers (10-14 Å). Cristobalite occurred only in the uppermost level of the green marls supplied from volcanic ash during the Messinian. Siderite and rhodochrosite occurred as traces pointing out to reducing or locally oxidizing conditions during sedimentation or shortly thereafter. There, marls have medium to high plasticity that is optimum for extrusion. Raw Neogene marls are suitable for structural clay products manufacturing. More specific uses were supported by geochemical results and grain-size distribution as hollow products, roofing tiles, and masonry bricks

Characterization of halloysite from Morocco: evaluation of its suitability for ceramic industry

peer reviewedaudience: researcher, professional, student, popularization, otherHalloysite from Nador (NE Morocco) has been studied to evaluate their suitability in ceramic industry. Cross-section involving all the Messinian facies was performed in the Melilla Neogene basin, at the foot of the Gourougou volcano, in order to understand the origin of the halloysite and appreciate its reserves. White layers of halloysite and red clays rich in smectite occurred in contact with basal reef limestone, were characterized by mineralogical (XRD, IR), textural (SEM) and physico-chemical analyzes (grain-size, Atterberg limits, ATD/TG, XRF and specific surface area). Ceramic proprieties were evaluated for fired halloysite from 500 to 1100°C in order to appreciate technical processing for ceramic production. The halloysite consists of fine particles with a high plasticity and a large specific surface area. XRD results revealed the presence of 7Å non-hydrated halloysite with the presence of gibbsite, alunite, K-feldspar plus other minor phases, and traces of smectite and illite. Infrared spectroscopy confirms the occurrence of characteristic bands of halloysite at 3695 and 3618 cm-1. SEM observations confirmed the predominance of tubular facies typical of halloysite. The chemical analysis revealed high aluminum content linked to the presence of some aluminous phases (gibbsite and alunite). ATD/TG and XRD results of fired clay sample evidenced halloysite dehydroxylation and a rearrangement of metakaolinite to form mullite and spinel from 975°C. Moroccan halloysite has good properties for refractory ceramic application. However, quartz sand addition is required to avoid any cracks development at firing as well as to reduce the plastic behaviour of raw halloysite and minimize shrinkage during sintering