Analytical Study for Physicochemical Characteristics of Bentonite Clay in Libya

Abstract

This study highlights the mechanism of formation for Bentonite clay surface properties. It 
investigates specific gravity and the influence of physicochemical characteristics on clay stability of structural 
forces on adsorbed water molecules. In particular, it describes the chemical composition, as well as cation 
exchange capacity (CEC). Bentonite clay is collected from the Murzuq city located 1150 km south of Tripoli 
i.e. southernmost town of Libya. The CEC value is leached by 500ppm Ca+2 at pH=8 equaled 84.5 mmoles/
kg. While at pH=2, the value is (20.5 mmoles/kg). The leaching process is carried out by 500ppm K+
 using 
flame emission photometer. The CEC value at pH =8 for sample is 91.5 mmoles/kg. Also the specific gravity 
is found to be 2.597. This value is in agreement with the obtained standard values for Wyoming (USA). The % 
MxOy of the clay is calculated by gravimetric method as follows: SiO2, 53.75; Al2O3, 21.46; Fe2O3, 1.4;CaO, 
0.97; MgO, 2.13, and agreed with the XRF analysis as follows: SiO2, 54.93; Al2O3, 21.46; Fe2O3, 1.71; MgO, 
3.18 ; CaO, 0.81; Na2O, 5.48; K2O, 0.54; TiO2,0.32. The results are adequately approximate and reasonable 
for both methods. The percent is very limited for trace elements Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn. In the sample, 
it is about 0.21%. The result of XRD analysis (intensities) for sample is presented as follows: 50% quartz, 
50% kaolinite, 5% Analcine, 7.5% Illite, 5% Natrolite, 10% Nontronite, 7% Montmorillonite. The formula 
calculation depends on the purity of clay and consequently the structural formula for Libyan Bentonite is: 
K0.094Na1.45Ca0.118 (Al2.92Fe0.175Ti0.033Mg0.646)VI( Al0.52Si7.48 )IVO20(OH) 4.