Analysis and Characterization of Clay Soil in Abakaliki, Nigeria

A study of the characteristics of clay samples from different locations in Nigeria has been carried out. The specimens were processed and sintered using the normal ceramics techniques and the particles size distribution, sedimentation test, density, porosity, cation exchange capacity, mechanical strength, and electrical characteristic were determined for each specimen. The exchange capacity increased with increasing magnitude of porosity. Similarly, the resistivity increased with deceasing porosity. Samples were then processed individually and blended to the following ratio:10:90, 30:70, 50:50, 70:30, and 90:10. The blends were fired at furnace temperatures of 800 C, 850 C, 900 C, and 950 C, respectively, and then tested for density, porosity, and modulus of rupture. The results obtained showed that the maximum service temperature of the blends was 900 C and that the 90:10 blend presented the best characteristic under the conditions studied, suggesting that the blends can only be used in furnaces where temperature requirements fall below 900 C