Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
Clay deposit abounds in large number of spots within and around Mbayion, Gboko local Government Area. However this clay is rarely exploited for major uses but only for the production of locally made traditional pots and bricks. It is in view of this, that Mbayion clay samples were obtained for characterization for its suitability in the production of ceramics stoneware, burnt bricks making, floor tiles and flower pots. This would not only brings about investment but also contribute to the employments of our teeming youth population into various ceramics skills acquisition jobs. The samples were analysed for plasticity, shrinkage, loss on ignition and chemical composition employing standard methods. Results of analysis showed that chemical composition of the clay was SiO2 (68.478�+ 1.464%); Al2O3 (14.947+ 0.027%); Fe2O3 (8.968+ 1.773%); K2O (2.405+ 0.020%); Na2O (0.034 + 0.021%); CaO (1.1615+ 0.186%);MgO (1.143+0.025%);SO3(0.021+ 0.020%) and pH(6.58 + 0.174). Physical analysis showed a mean modulus of plasticity to be 2.54kgf/cm3,mean percentage making moisture (20.85%) and % total shrinkage ranged from 10.67- 12.17 over a temperature range of 900-1100oC. Comparison of this result with other research indicates that Mbayion clay could be useful for manufacture of some ceramic industrial products like floor tiles, flower pots, stoneware and burnt bricks.

Keywords: Mbayion clay, plasticity, shrinkage, modulus of plasticity, ceramic stoneware and floor tiles.

Download full paper