Moroccan clays for potential use as aluminosilicate precursors for geopolymer synthesis

Three Moroccan clays, denoted A1, A3 and A5, were sampled from the Fez region with aim of potential use as aluminosilicate precursors for geopolymer synthesis. Each clay was subjected to calcination at 700 °C analyzed using DTA/TG, grain size distribution measurements, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy before after heat treatment. The results showed that three clays contain kaolinite in different proportions addition some associated minerals, such quartz, hematite, calcite dolomite. Heat treatment successfully activated by amorphization kaolinite, which is essential geopolymerization. Some other changes observed especially carbonates, partially or totally decomposed depending on clay, while minerals remained intact. SBET NBO values are accordance degree polymerization, obtention consolidated materials possible alkali activation calcined clays.