Abstract

Industrial Potentials of Ebiaji Clay from Ezza North Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Author(s): CC Ezeofor, KG Akpomie, UA Augustine, VO Uzoigwe

Ebiaji clay deposits in Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria were characterized for its chemical composition and refractory properties. The chemical composition was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) procedure, whereas the physical property were carried using American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standards at the department of Ceramics Research and Production Projects Research and Development Institute, Enugu State, Nigeria. The physical property analysed were as follows: Plasticity Index, Swelling Index, Linear Shrinkage, Refractoriness, Loss on Ignition, Water of Absorption, Bulk density, Apparent density and Chemical composition analysis. Results obtained showed that Ebiaji clay is abundant in oxides of silica (SiO₂), Alumina (Al₂O₃) and Iron (Fe₂O₃) with other oxides in minute quantity. The chemical analysis carried out indicates that the clay deposit is of the aluminosilicate refractories that are under the class of kaolinitic fireclay having high values of refractory properties similar to standards. In line with physicochemical characteristics of kaolinitic fireclay deposit, this study shows that Ebiaji clay can be harnessed for use in paper industry, ceramics, refractory bricks, tiles and color vase but requires additive to help obtain the desired properties.

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