The Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Sedimentary Minerals in the Mineral Deposits of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This research study investigates the physicochemical properties of clay minerals extracted from the Keles, Kyzylorda, and Tagan mineral deposits in Kazakhstan. Modern analytical methods, such as high-precision X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), were employed to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of the minerals. These methods allowed for high-accuracy identification of the elemental composition, crystal structure characteristics, and phase composition of the clay minerals.

The main section of the study thoroughly explores the physical properties, chemical stability, and technological characteristics of the clay minerals. Special attention was given to the potential applications of montmorillonite and bentonite clay solutions in drilling operations, liquid purification systems, and other technological processes. The hydrodynamic dispersion filtrates' optical density, electrokinetic properties, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, and ecological application potential were experimentally determined. The study concluded that the physicochemical properties of the examined clay solutions make them suitable for use in drilling operations.

The findings reveal new prospects for the application of clay minerals in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry, the production of construction materials, and the resolution of environmental issues. The regularities and dependencies identified during the research will form the theoretical basis for developing innovative technologies for processing clay minerals and improving their industrial application efficiency. Moreover, the data obtained from the study offer the possibility of intentionally modifying the properties of clay minerals and producing new functional materials based on them.