SUITABILITY OF CLAY FROM BIDA BASIN, NIGER STATE FOR PRODUCTION OF PORCELAIN INSULATORS

Abstract

Clay from Sakpe deposit within Bida basin was analysed using XRF, XRD, SEM, physico-mechanical and electrical insulation methods. The chemical analysis result of the clay shows high values of SiO2 (55.73%), Al2O3 (29.65%), Fe2O3 (0.92 %) respectively and are kaolinitic in nature. It was found to have good physical and mechanical properties at a maximum of 41MPa of cold crushing strength, flexural strength of 9.47MPa, elastic modulus of 450.36MPa. This composition was found to be within standard requirements. The electrical properties were observed to be at 0.65GΩ and 26kV/mm for insulation resistance and breakdown voltage respectively, which met the similar values at 0.5GΩ and 25Kv/mm of imported insulators. The investigated kaolin deposit from Sakpe met the standard for the production of porcelain insulators, refractories, ceramics materials and tiles, especially, between 35-45wt% kaolin and 25-35wt% Feldspar composition samples J, I and H which have the maximum values, in terms of the electrical, physical and mechanical properties at the temperature studied.