THE PHYSIO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BLENDED UNWANA AND EKEBEDI CLAY FOR POSSIBLE INDUSTRIAL APLICATION

Abstract

Revealed that they were suitable for the production of refractory bricks and This study investigated the physical and chemical characterization of blended Unwana andEkebedi clays in order to enhance their refractory properties as well as their engineering behaviours. The study employed descriptive design, internet browsing and library research in order to collect data. This study was conducted using Unwana clay and Ekebedi clay as samples. Seven samples namely: were formulated. And (20) twenty test pieces (bricks and tiles.) were produced.  They were dried atmospherically and subsequently in a drying cabinet for 14 days. Each sample test bricks and tiles were fired separately at 10000C, 11000C, 12000C using electric kiln and their refractory properties investigated. Linear shrinkage, Apparent Porosity, Water Absorption, Bulk density and compressive strength were determined. On the other hand, the chemical analysis such as chemical composition was also carried out and the abundance of major elements showed that SiO2  and Al2O3   constituted  more of the bulk composition constituent  includes Fe2O3, TiO2, K2O, CaO and MgO. The evaluation of the industrial potential of the clays based on their physical and chemical characterization ceramics and many more. Sample 5 has the least total shrinkage of 8.3% when fired at 1000oC while sample 3 has the highest total shrinkage of 17.6% when fired at 1200oC. Other samples exhibited various degree of shrinkages. Apparent porosity result of the compositions showed that sample 7 has the highest value of 30.20% when fired at their 1000oC while sample 3 has the least value of 3.40% when fired at 1200oC.For water absorption test sample 7 has the highest value of 18.16% fired at 1000oC while sample 3 has the least value of 1.82% fired at 1200oC. For bulk density test, sample 3 has the highest value of 1.89g/cm3 fired at 1000oC while sample 10 has the least value of 1.55g/cm3 fired at 1200oC. Cold crushing test result showed that sample 5 has the highest value of 6.33 km/cm3 fired at 12000C while sample 6 has the least value of 2.64KN/cm3 fired at 1000oC. Acid inertness test was carried out on the samples and the Samples showed good resistance to chemical attack. The evaluation of the industrial potential of the clays based on physical and chemical characteristics revealed that they are suitable for the production of refractory bricks and tiles and many more.