Characterization of Clays from the “Sè” Region in the South of Benin Used to Make Ceramic Water Filters

Clay materials have been used for centuries by local populations in ceramic pottery. This research aimed to examine natural clay as raw material for the manufacturing of ceramic pot filters. Thus, three clay samples were collected from a quarry in “Se”, located in the southwestern part of the Benin Republic. All the samples were characterized using granulometric analysis, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), loss on ignition (LOI), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and measurement of Atterberg’s limits. N2 adsorption technique were used to define specific surface areas and the major elements composing the clays were determined. The chemical and mineralogical analysis indicates that all of the samples contain various amounts of quartz and kaolinite, followed by muscovite and vermiculite. They also indicate that the clay materials are silico-aluminous clays. CEC and N2 adsorption showed as expected a low CEC and specific surface because of the presence of quartz and kaolinite quartz. The analyzed samples reveal that clays are very plastic, with an organic matter content ranging from 7.8% to 9.8% (loss on ignition). TGA analysis showed that the suitable sintering temperatures is from 700°C and above. Based on their mineral composition and physical properties, the clays are suitable as raw material for ceramic industry, especially for ceramic water filters.