Compositional Features and Industrial Application of Afuze Clay, Southsouth Nigeria [ READ ]
Z.U. Elakhame, O.J. Omowunmi, O.P. Arungwa, N.A. Alausa
Afuze clay deposits in Owan East L.G.A of Edo State, Nigeria were characterized for refractory and other applications. The characteristics investigated were chemical composition, plasticity index, liquid limit, plastic limit, particle size distribution, surface characteristics, water absorption, dry shrinkage, fired shrinkage, total shrinkage, Firing colour, compressive strength, void ratio, linear shrinkage, bulk density, cold crushing strength, thermal shock resistance, thermal conductivity, and refractoriness (softening point) . Chemical analysis was conducted using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The physical property tests were done following ASTM standards. Results obtained showed that the Afuze clay is largely kaolinite and chemically composed of mainly silica (46.09%) and alumina (35.35% respectively). These oxides appreciated to 45.09% and 33.35% (silica), 31.8% and 21.30% (alumina) respectively in the fired product. The physical/refractory characteristics examined confirmed that the clays belong to the fireclay class and are useful for refractory and ceramic applications.
Z.U. Elakhame, O.J. Omowunmi, O.P. Arungwa, N.A. Alausa
Afuze clay deposits in Owan East L.G.A of Edo State, Nigeria were characterized for refractory and other applications. The characteristics investigated were chemical composition, plasticity index, liquid limit, plastic limit, particle size distribution, surface characteristics, water absorption, dry shrinkage, fired shrinkage, total shrinkage, Firing colour, compressive strength, void ratio, linear shrinkage, bulk density, cold crushing strength, thermal shock resistance, thermal conductivity, and refractoriness (softening point) . Chemical analysis was conducted using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The physical property tests were done following ASTM standards. Results obtained showed that the Afuze clay is largely kaolinite and chemically composed of mainly silica (46.09%) and alumina (35.35% respectively). These oxides appreciated to 45.09% and 33.35% (silica), 31.8% and 21.30% (alumina) respectively in the fired product. The physical/refractory characteristics examined confirmed that the clays belong to the fireclay class and are useful for refractory and ceramic applications.
