Correlation coefficient as a performance indicator for assessing Nigerian kaolinites as coating grade clays

Rank-correlation coefficient, a statistical approach, was utilized to show relationships between physical and chemical properties of Nigerian kaolinites and the American kaolinite. correlations between Mg, Fe, silica-alumina ratio, CEC and surface area for the Alisimie were found to be related to the presence of small quantities of montmorillonite impurity. Strong correlation between charge density and potassium was ascribed to the presence of muscovite in Kankara and Niger kaolinites. There was an indication that well-crystallized kaolinites like the Nigerian Kankara may have originated from feldspar alteration. Correlation of enhanced crystallinity, contingent on particle size optimization, was found to be common with secondary kaolinites such as Alisimie, Igbanke and American clays. tudy has, therefore, helped to define the genesis of the physical and chemical properties of Nigerian kaolinites.