Electron Microscopy in Study of Clays

Abstract

Electron microscopy plays a very important role in the mineralogical and microstructural studies of clays. ln this paper, some examples are given of the use of transmission electron-microscopy and scanning electron-microscopy in the studies of Angola soils and sediments. The occurrence of polygorskite in the Cazenga limestones, the nature, crystallinity and morphology of iron oxides and hydroxides and of kaolinites from Luanda, Luso, Cela, etc., ferruginous and lateritic soils, the existence of alunite and jarosite in Luanda sediments, and microstructures of expansive soils are reported.