Caracterização tecnológica de argilas (rejeito da mineração de matérias-primas refratárias) para aplicações em geoterapia

Abstract

Geotherapy is a relatively new segment of science, utilizing the properties of natural materials to cure disease and improve aesthetics. The raw materials applied in this area undergo chemical-physical and microbiological characterization to meet the requirements of the National Health Surveillance Agency. This research proposes the technological characterization of clays, aiming its application in geotherapy, health and aesthetics. Clay, the main objective of this study, called peat clay, is the tailings of a mining. It has no characteristics for refractory manufacture. Due to its high content of organic matter, much of its mass would be lost upon exposure to high temperatures. This clay was characterized and compared with clay samples already marketed in the health and aesthetic sector under the name of thermal clay. For such viability, the clays were analyzed from the physicochemical point of view through: particle size analysis, plasticity test, x-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, cation exchange capacity, among others. The comparative results showed characteristics that favor the use of peat clay in geotherapy, such as its high cation exchange capacity, pH close to the skin, chemical composition within ANVISA standards and high specific surface. It was also possible to identify limiting factors such as its low plasticity, which restricts the application forms, when it is intended to use clay without mixtures.