Characterization of Ibamajo, Mowe and Nkwo-Alaike Fireclays for Use as Refractory Materials in Foundry Industry

Abstract

This work is directed towards harnessing local potential in refractory sourcing for use in foundry industries. Fireclay deposits from Ibamajo, Mowe in Ogun State South-West and Nkwo-Alaike in Imo State South-East Nigeria were characterized for refractory properties and from the results; it was revealed that, the clay sample from Mowe has the required refractory properties compared to that of Ibamajo and Nkwo-Alaike clays. The samples collected are of the compound of aluminosilicate and are acidic in nature. The refractoriness of Mowe clay is 1,700^oC while those of Ibamajo and Nkwo-Alaike are 1,630^oC and 1,660^oC respectively. They all fell within the standard value range of 1,500-1,700^oC. The percentage of impurities like Fe₂O₃ in Nkwo-Alaike is higher than that of Mowe and Ibamajo. Thermal shock resistances of the materials were +30 cycles for both Mowe and Ibamajo clays, while that of Nkwo-Alaike was 26 cycles. The compressive strength of Ibamajo, Mowe and Nkwo-Alaike clays are 14.68, 28.61, 27.60MPa respectively. The compressive strength of Ibamajo clay is lower than the minimum value of 22.9MPa, while that of Mowe and Nkwo-Alaike are superior to standard. The results of these analyses show that the materials from Ibamajo and Nkwo-Alaike can be used for refractory bricks production for various purposes in the foundry industries (lining of preheating furnaces and other furnaces operating below 1630^oC), while that of Mowe can be used for linings of melting furnaces for ferrous metal and its alloys.

Keywords: aluminosilicate, compressive strength, fireclay, foundry, furnace, refractory.