Bida Clay: A Source of Raw Material for Engineering Applications

Abstract

Clay from Bida was investigated and characterized using XRF, XRD, SEM and physico mechanical methods. The XRF analysis shows high value of 69.58% SiO2, 23.15% Al2O3, and 2.93% Fe2O3, with low amount of other oxides like CaO, K2O and Na2O. The clay deposit from the XRD results was found to be kaolinitic with refractoriness of 12500C and a good 12 cycles of thermal shock resistance were observed. The physico-mechanical characteristics of the clay studied were found to improve as the firing temperature increased. This was attributed to decrease in porosities and increase in compaction of the samples. The mechanical properties values of cold crushing strength (CCS) of 202.41kgF/cm2 was attained and meet the requirements for production of tiles, refractory lining of heat treatment furnaces and kilns. The chemical properties from XRF results were found to be within the standard requirements for application in ceramic and refractory applications.