Abstract
The structural properties of a natural clay sample (51% kaolinite) were tailored to suit specific applications. H2SO4 and NaOH (1.0 M) treatment caused structural alterations and a significant release of Al ions compared to Si ions. Chemical treatment caused structural alterations, according to XRD analysis. FTIR analysis also indicated higher density of polar surface groups upon treatment which affected the corresponding dielectric behavior. Dielectric measurements showed their suitability in the frequency dependent dialectical insulator applications. Acid treated kaolinite was a promising dielectric at 10 and 1000 Hz. With appropriate mass attenuation coefficients (mu/rho) of 12.098-12.182 cm(2)/g and a high half value layer of 10 cm at 10 keV, kaolinite and other treated forms were adequate to act shielding material.