XRD Characterization of Kaolin's Phase Composition & Crystallinity for Thermal Applications

Anurag Shrivastava*, Atul Raj**, Rohit Srivastava***
*, *** Department of Mechanical Engineering, S R Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, India.
** Department of Production Engineering, S R Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, India.
Periodicity:July - December'2025

Abstract

Kaolin, a naturally occurring aluminosilicate clay, was tested to assess its structural characteristics and as a candidate for high-temperature heat insulation and ceramic building systems. The structural assessment was conducted by a non- destructive X-ray Diffraction (XRD), which provides phase composition and crystallinity analysis. XRD managed to see multiple phase compositions and internal changes in the crystallographic structure. It is a non-destructive technique used for analysis of the materials' chemical and physical properties. This test was performed using Cu Kα (λ = 1.5406 Å) radiation and was the continuous scanning operating mode, ranging in 2θ from 5° to 80°. The diffraction pattern exhibited sharp, intense peaks and strongly indicated a crystalline structure and phase identification in the kaolin sample. The highest intensity peak (7630 a.u.) was recorded at (2θ = 29.31°), which indicates the kaolinite phase (002) or (111) crystallographic planes. Further (also indicated basal spacing) peaks were recorded at 2θ = 9.79°, 19.49° and 26.90°. The kaolin structure indicated minor impurities in the kaolin structure and indicated minor phases of impurities, including quartz and illite. Based on the narrow peak widths and high peak intensities, very little amorphous content was observed and confirmed the material's structural integrity and structural stability. The structural mineralogy characteristics, especially the ordered layer structure and high phase purity, account for kaolin's stability and better thermal resistance properties. Therefore, this study has assessed and supports that kaolin can be developed further for development as a high-temperature application as refractory linings, insulating bricks, and energy-efficient building systems.

Keywords

Kaolin, X-Ray Diffraction, Crystallinity, Phase Composition, Kaolinite, Thermal Insulation, Refractory Materials, Ceramic Applications.

How to Cite this Article?

Shrivastava, A., Raj, A., and Srivastava, R. (2025). XRD Characterization of Kaolin's Phase Composition & Crystallinity for Thermal Applications. i-manager’s Journal on Physical Sciences, 4(2), 13-19.

References

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