Mechanical and Physicochemical Evaluation of Alkaleri Fireclay for Refractory Application

• Main Authors: Job Ajala Amkpa, Aaron Edogbo Aye, Friday Enefola Omagu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Altezoro s.r.o. (Slovak Republic) and Publishing Center "Dialog" (Ukraine) 2017-04-01
• Series: Traektoriâ Nauki
• Subjects: Fireclay; sintering temperatures; refractory; mechanical; strength
• Online Access: http://pathofscience.org/index.php/ps/article/view/314/383

The mechanical, chemical and physical property of Alkaleri fireclay was investigated for its appropriateness for refractory application. The chemical composition was performed and analyzed using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer Bench top XRF analyzer technique. Chemical property result indicated that the clay contained 67.4 % silica (SiO2), 30.06 % aluminum (Al2O3), and other impurities. The clay was subjected to mechanical activation through sintering process at varied sintering temperatures of 900 °C, 1000 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C. At the best sintering temperature of 1200 °C, the cold crushing strength (CCS) was 17.82 MPa, in the physical properties; apparent porosity was 22.8 %, bulk density was 1.8 g/cm3, and firing shrinkage was 8.9 %. The Alkaleri clay belongs to alumino-silicate fireclay group and therefore, suitable materials for refractory application of ladle, kiln dryer, boilers, cook stoves, furnace lining and bricks.