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Engineering performance and microstructural behavior of kaolin treated with nano-materials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 March 2025

Swapna Thomas Open the ORCID record for Swapna Thomas [Opens in a new window] ,
S. Chandrakaran  and
N. Sankar
Swapna Thomas*
Affiliation:
Department of Civil Engineering, Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam-686532, India
S. Chandrakaran
Affiliation:
Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut-673601, India
N. Sankar
Affiliation:
Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut-673601, India
*
Corresponding author: Swapna Thomas; Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]
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Abstract

This research tackles the challenge of enhancing the engineering properties of kaolinite-rich clay through innovative and sustainable treatment approaches. The main aim was to investigate the effects of nano-materials such as calcium carbonate and silica on the plasticity, strength, compressibility, and microstructural behavior of kaolin. The experimental process involved blending kaolin with varying concentrations (0.5–2% by dry weight) of calcium carbonate and silica. Standard laboratory tests, such as Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and one-dimensional consolidation tests, were performed to evaluate changes in plasticity, mechanical strength, and compressibility. Microstructural analyses using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) provided insights into the structural and surface modifications of the treated clay. The findings demonstrated a notable reduction in the plasticity index of kaolin as the nano-material content increased, with the optimal dosage identified at ~1% for both nano-materials. At this dosage, the UCS of the treated clay increased threefold, attributed to the formation of a nano-crystalline gel and improved particle interactions. Consolidation tests revealed a significant decrease in the compression index, while the hydraulic conductivity remained similar to that of untreated kaolin. Microstructural analysis confirmed the development of an aggregated-flocculated structure, enhanced pore connectivity, and increased surface area in the clay nano-composite. In summary, the incorporation of calcium carbonate and silica particles significantly enhanced the engineering characteristics of kaolinite-rich clay, highlighting their promise as sustainable alternatives for clay improvement. These results pave the way for broader applications of nano-materials in geotechnical engineering.

Keywords

calcium carbonatecompressibilitykaolinsilicastrength
Type
Original Paper
Information
Clays and Clay Minerals , Volume 73 , 2025 , e12
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Clay Minerals Society

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