In this paper, the refractory properties of clay from Ozanagogo had been studied for possible utilization in refractory production. The clay had a specific gravity of 2.57, linear firing shrinkage of 1.01%, 2.14 g/cm3 bulk density and porosity of 20.4%. A cold crushing strength of 17.48 MN/m2 was obtained with modulus of rupture of 8.28 MN/m2. The thermal shock resistance exceeded 30 cycles and the refractoriness was 1750℃. The sample was analysed for its chemical composition, and it was revealed that it contained 38.07% alumina (Al2O3), 46.00% silica (SiO2) and iron impurities (Fe2O3) of 0.78%. The results generally showed that Ozanagogo clay could be used as a refractory material.
References
[1]
S. B. Hassan, “Modern Refractories: Production, Properties, Testing and Application,” Timo Commercial Printers Samaru, Zaria, 2005, pp. 13-22, 28-40.
[2]
A. R. Chesti “Refractories: Manufacture, Properties and Applications,” Prentice-Hall of India private Ltd., New Delhi, 1986, pp. 55-63.
[3]
A. Adekanmbi, “The Nigerian Steel Industry: Evaluation and Raw Materials Development, a Historical Excursion (Emphasis on Ajaokuta Steel Project),” XcessAmonqe Press, Ibadan, 2005, pp. 172-185.
[4]
J. O. Borode, O. O. Onyemaobi and J. A. Omotoyinbo, “Suitability of some Nigerian Clays as Refractory Raw Materials,” Nigerian Journal of Engineering Management, Vol. 1, 2000, pp. 14-18.
[5]
S. B. Hassan and J. O. Adewara, “Refractory Properties of Some Nigerian Clays,” Nigerian Society of Engineers Technical Transaction, Vol. 29, No. 3, 1994, pp. 13-19.
[6]
P. S. Irabor, “Physical and Chemical Investigation on Some Nigerian Kaolinite Clays for Use in the Ceramics and Allied Industries,” Nigerian Journal of Engineering Research and Development, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2002, pp. 54-59.
[7]
ASTM Standards Part 17, “Refractories, Glass, Ceramic Materials, Carbon and Graphite Products,” ASTM, Philadelphia, 2005, pp. 7-9, 51-61.
[8]
J. S. Reed, “Introduction to the Principles of Ceramic Processing,” John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1986, pp. 32, 154, 330.
[9]
J. H. Chesters, “Refractories: Production and Properties,” The Iron and Steel Institute, London, 1973, pp. 3-13, 296-312.
[10]
M. I. Misra, “Refractories: Their manufacture, Properties and Uses,” 4th Edition, SMT, Lakshmi Misra, Krishna Colony, Ghamapur, 1975, pp. 8-13, 22-42.
[11]
J. P. Gilchrist, “Fuel, Furnaces and Refractories,” Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1977, pp 35-70.