Evaluation of the Refractory Properties of Nigerian Ozanagogo Clay Deposit

Alexander Asanja Jock, Fatai Afolabi Ayeni, Abdulkarin Salawu Ahmed, Umar Adeiza Sullayman

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2013.16048                

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Ozanagogo; Clay; Porosity; Refractory

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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