Comparative Mineralurgical Phase Examination of Selected Locally Sourced Ceramic Raw Materials Using X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD)

Abstract: The ceramics industry is shifting nippily due to globalization, consumer trends, and consumption patterns. This is in turn driving up manufacturing costs locally and consequently increasing the volume of imported goods because local ceramic products sell for relatively high prices comparative to their unit weight, making importation an economically viable option, thereby hurting the local market. Since Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of solid minerals that can be used to produce all of the ceramic goods it needs, it is imperative to create a local competitive climate in order to ensure that the country's ceramic industry achieves global positioning. Consistent quality improvement therefore, and product innovation in local ceramic manufacture are important factors for making locally made goods competitive with imported ones. The goal of this paper is to compare the mineralogical components of the chosen local raw materials in terms of both qualitative and quantitative examination. If production has to be precise in order to meet the standard of imported goods, then this phase composition component of raw materials cannot be overstated. The study aims to utilize X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) in order to ascertain the Mineralogical phase composition of sample that were chosen. The common phases that were present in the examined samples but obviously at varying quantities were Kaolinite, Quartz, Illite, Kyanite, Sillimanite, Muscovite, Montmorillonite, Halloysite, Pyrophyllite, Pseudobrookite and Anatase. Their percentage presence in the samples eventually determined individual qualities and respective application to ceramic products.