Characterisation of Some Selected Clays from Ekiti State for Refractory Application

Abstract

Clays from Isan-Ekiti and Ire-Ekiti both in Ekiti state were obtained and were analyzed for chemical composition, mineralogical composition and their physical properties. The chemical composition of the clay samples as revealed by the X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer showed that the main constituents are SiO2 and Al2O3. The SiO2 content is 53.30% and 56.90% for Isan and Ire while the Al2O3 content is 25.95% and 21.45% for Isan and Ire respectively. Other minor constituents present include Fe2O3, TiO2, CaO, K2O and MgO. The principal minerals found in the clay samples according to the X-ray Diffractometer results are quartz and kaoline. The linear shrinkage, permeability, apparent porosity, bulk density, thermal shock resistance, refractoriness, loss on ignition, cold crushing strength, and moisture content for Isan clay is 9.64%, 0.000862, 45%, 1.59g/cm3, 7cycles, 1685°C, 9.29, 43.65 and 5.63% while that of Ire clay is 13.21%, 0.001171, 40%, 1.50g/cm3, 6 cycles, 1665°C, 12.86, 47.72 and 27.23%. Further research should be advanced to improve the critical physical properties of Isan and Ire clays to ensure these raw materials are suitable for the refractory application.