| Physical and Geochemical Characterization of Sands
from Santchou (West Cameroon) For Potential Use in
the Glass Industry |
Franck Wilfried Nguimatsia Dongmo,a, c, d,* William Dounang Tsague,a
Maxime Dawoua
Kaoutoing,b
Aurélie Ngamy Kamwa,a
Aymar Dapeu Lemopi,a
Farrel Taliedje Ivan,a
Roger Firmin
Donald Ntouala,e
Rose Yongue Fouateuc
and Armand Abdou Boubaa
Pages : 292-302
DOI:10.1080/0371750X.2026.2721463 |
| Abstract |
| Silica-rich sands are crucial raw materials for glass manufacturing. This study
evaluates the suitability of sands from the Santchou region, situated in the Mbo plain
of Western Cameroon, for industrial glass production through physical, chemical,
mineralogical and geochemical analyses. The area features complex geology, including
migmatitic gneisses, granites and volcanic rocks such as trachytes and basalts, with
elevations between 715 and over 1000 m. Two sand samples, NKAM 1 and NKAM 2,
were collected and analyzed. Granulometric analysis classified both samples as
medium-grained and suitable for glassmaking. High sand equivalent values (>90%)
and low methylene blue values (0.23 and 0.33) suggest high purity and low clay content,
although minor washing is advised. Slightly acidic pH values (6.6-6.7) may require
neutralization. X-ray diffraction identified quartz and orthoclase as dominant minerals,
with minor amounts of micas, augite, hematite and gehlenite. X-ray fluorescence
analysis revealed that NKAM 2 meets glass industry standards, with a high silica
content (SiO2
= 95.57%) and a low iron oxide content (Fe2O3
= 0.30%), whereas NKAM
1 has elevated Fe2O3
(3.73%) and Al2O3
(5.50%) and therefore requires pre-treatment.
Overall, the Santchou sands, particularly NKAM 2, exhibit favourable properties for
industrial glassmaking, representing a valuable local resource for the development
of Cameroon’s glass industry. |
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