Viability of Some Kano-Nigerian Clays for Refractory Applications

The physical properties of some materials used by local foundries were investigated with a view to assessing their suitability for use as low heat duty refractory bricks. The samples were collected from Malamai village, Gezawa Local Government, Kano state; they are Gezawa clay and Burji (Clay). The samples were crushed, ground, sieved and the chemical compositions were determined. The clay samples were treated separately as well as blended with Gezawa clay in different proportions and molded in to bricks. The bricks were dried and fired to 1100. Test for refractoriness, thermal shock resistance, linear shrinkage; bulk density, porosity and compressive strength were carried out on each of the specimen. Burji blended with 50% to 90% Gezawa clay gave improved thermal shock resistance with a refractoriness of 1300 and hence could be used for non ferrous melting cupolas.