Untitled in english

Author(s)

Guillermo Ruperto Martín Cortés

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP/BC)
• Defense date: 1998-08-19

Examining board members

Wildor Theodoro Hennies; Francisco Rolando Valenzuela Diaz; Henrique Kahn

• Advisor: Wildor Theodoro Hennies

Abstract

The geological aspects, the mineral composition, and its main tecnological characteristics of Cuban clay deposits are quality parameters, which determine the main application fields or industrial value. As non-renewable natural resources of the non metallic type and taking into account this application of the raw material the deposits can be classified in three main groups that are: red clay, kaolin (China clay), and bentonites. Some promising and other already exploited main Cuban clay deposits were selected and representative samples were collected at each one, submitted to standard preparation procedures and systematic laboratoryinvestigations. These included XRD x-ray poder diffraction SEM Scanner Electronic Microscope, MALVERN grain size determinations and XRF chemical analyses, performed at laboratories of the Mining Engineering Department. Special essay determinations were done in the Chemistry Engineering Department, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, all of them at the Polytechnic School of the University od São Paulo. Also at the Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry of the Chemistry Institute of Santa Catarina Federal University and in the Paper and Cellulose Laboratory at the São Paulo Technological Investigation Institute.Detailed mineralogical and technological characterization studies were done, to determine adequate grain size compositions and identify physical or chemical procedures, to define adequate mineral processing routes, to remove deleterious impurities, to identify safe and environmentally sound disposal practices and evaluate the end products as to their quality and utilization.This study is a non ehaustive investigation to detect and re-evaluate Cuban clay resources, to supply the domestic Market and evaluate the eventual export potential. Mining appraisal, benefit processing outlook, and environmental issues are some tasks, and their applications or uses are other questions that will be presentedand discussed here. Using the sizeable Brazilian experience and data on a wide range of clay deposits, suggestions on specific or possible processing routes are recommended. (AU)