Abstract
The effect of base and humus (organic matter) on the viscosity and plasticity of Kibushi-clay (sedimentary kaolinitic clay with organic matter occurred in Seto, Japan) has been studied. The following four chemical treatments were applied to the elutriated Kibushi-clay. 1) water leaching, 2) 0.05 N hydrochloric acid treatment to reduce the adsorbed basic elements, 3) 3% hydrogen peroxide treatment to decompose the humus, 4) subsequent application of 2) and 3) treatments to remove both bases and humus. These treated clays were examined mineralogically and chemically. The viscosity and plasticity of these treated clays were compared in relation to their chemical properties. The viscosity of the slip increased in the order. H2O treat.<HCl treat.<H2O2 treat.<HCl+H2O2 treat.
On the other hand, the plasticity of clay indicated by the amount of bound water on the surface of clay particle increased in the reverse order described above. Therefore, it is concluded that the viscosity and plasticity of clays are affected by the presence of humus and base in the order.
humus+base>humus>base.
