Characterization of Abaji clay deposits for refractory applications

In this research work, Abaji clay deposit in Abuja, Nigeria was investigated to determine its suitability for refractory applications. The clay was sourced froom three different locations having Red clay, Pink clay, and White clay; and was labeled samples A, B, and C respectively. The chemical analysis was carried out by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry complemented with thermogravimetry while the mineralogical analysis was conducted using X-ray Diffractometer and property test such as sieve analysis, loss on ignition, shrinkage, porosity, bulk density plastic index, thermal shock resistance, permanent linear change on re-heating, and refractoriness were carried out using standard techniques. The chemical analysis shows that samples A, B, and C were composed of Silica: 49.98%, 36.89%, and 44.38% respectively; Alumina (Al2O3): 16.39%, 20.12%, and 18.33% respectively. The mineralogical analysis shows the clays are mainly kaolinite and free quartz. The result of the physical tests show that samples A, B, and C have: an apparent porosity of 25.90%, 20.78%, 13.82% respectively; shrinkage of 1.90%, 2.04%, 0.95%; bulk density of 1.58g/cm3, 1.63g/cm3, 1.78g/cm3; thermal shock resistance of 11 cycles, 15cycles, 17cycles respectively; while the three samples A, B, and C have the same refractoriness of 1100 °C