Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike


EFFECT OF FIRING TEMPERATURE ON THE REFRACTORY PROPERTIES OF MGBOM CLAY

Nwokeocha, T. O.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State, Nigeria

Achebe, C. H.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State, Nigeria

Okolie, P. C.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State, Nigeria



ABSTRACT

The effect of firing temperatures on the refractory properties of Mgbom clay deposit was established. The clay sample was collected from the deposit and was processed. The chemical and mineralogical analyses were done using X-ray fluoresce and X-ray diffraction respectively. The sample was processed, molded, dried and fired at different temperature of 9000C, 11000C and 12000C. The refractory properties were tested based on ASTM standards. Results obtained show that Mgbom clay has 28% alumina and 58.6% silica, 8.68% iron oxide, 1.5% potassium oxide and other oxides in trace quantities. Mineralogical phase analysis confirmed the presence of quartz, kaoline and rutile in the clay structure. Hence, Mgbom clay qualifies for fire clay. At the various respective firing temperatures of 9000C, 11000C and 12000C, the values of the refractory properties such as linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, modulus of rupture, thermal shock resistance and refractoriness were obtained as (4.09 - 7.27%), (8.49 - 0.51%), (15.65 - 1.01%), (1.84 - 1.99g/cm3), (27.26 - 39.28N/mm2), (21 - 28cycles) and (1250 - 16500C) respectively. It was found from the results that firing temperature showed a linear relationship with the clay properties and that clay’s optimum properties are obtainable at the firing temperature above 11000C. Therefore, it was recommended that firing temperature above 11000C should be used as appropriate temperature for firing Mgbom clay base materials.


Keywords: Temperature, refractory, clay, alumina, silica, material


https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v6i2_9
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Published
Friday, January 22, 2021

Issue
Vol. 6 No. 2, December 2020

Article Section
GENERAL

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