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

Article Title: Suitability of Some Selected Clays in Ondo and Ekiti States for the Production of Refractory Kiln Furniture
by Idowu Oluwatuase Idowu

Abstract:
Refractory bats and props are very expensive in Nigeria, as a result of high cost of importation, and in most cases, they are not available. This study is, therefore, aimed at producing refractory bats and props using local ceramics materials that are subjected to adequate quality control processes, not that alone, but also a materials that would guaranty the quality, strength and behavior of the final products in service at high temperature above 13000c. To achieve the objectives, field trips were made to different locations of the raw materials to collect samples of kaolin and ball clay in Ondo and Ekiti States based on the existing literatures. The studio chemical analysis of kaolin indicates that, out of the three sourced kaolin from Isan-Ekiti, Ifon and Ikere-Ekiti, Ifon kaolin shows some desirable characteristic and hence more dependable. It has less shrinkage, less porosity, low iron content and high purity level than the other sourced clays. The Alumino-Silicate of the clay is about 70.48% which makes it suitable for refractory production. The workable mixture for the body composition for selves and prop production was given as 2 parts clay and 8 parts grog. It was however, established that both Ifon kaolin and Isan ball clays can be used as substitute for these very important foundry materials which is found abundant in Ondo and Ekiti state. The exploration of these materials will definitely reduced the cost production and also empowered the economics strength of the states.

Keywords: grog, levigation, shelves, refractory, prop, studio

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