Characterization Of Some Nigerian Clays For Refractory Utilization
Abstract
Clay deposits from four locations in Auchi, Enugu, Lagos and Uyo were characterized for ceramic applications. The major characteristics investigated were their chemical compositions, bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, water absorption and linear shrinkage. Chemical analysis was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method, while water absorption and water shrinkage were evaluated by sample heating and weighing methods. Results obtained showed that the samples belong to the fire clay class. Alkali oxide content was low, at an average percent of 0.045 for Enugu, 0.060 for Lagos, 0.025 for Uyo and 0.050 for Auchi, imparting high refractoriness on the clays and making them suitable for ceramics, specifically refractory materials. Moreover, the average 54% of SiO2 and 42% of Al2O3 in Auchi and Uyo clays make them more suitable for the refractory purposes.
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