CHARACTERIZATION STUDIES OF EZENIFITE CLAY FOR ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The characterization of Ezinifite clay from Anambra State, Nigeria, is presented in this research paper. The clay sample was mined and then processed to a standard form for analysis using recognized processes. SEM, XRF, and DTA/TGA were used to determine the mineralogy, chemical compositions, and thermal behavior of the clay. The clay samples' morphological, chemical, and mechanical properties were studied at temperatures ranging from 900oC to 1200oC, with a temperature interval of 100oC. The results showed that the modulus of rupture rose from 22.70 to 34.88 kgf/cm2 as the temperature increased. With increasing temperature, apparent porosity, water absorption, and bulk density dropped from 25.90- 14.06 %, 16.66-8.65 %, and 3.43-3.35 g/cm3 accordingly. With a rise in temperature, the apparent density, total shrinkage, and Cold Crushing Strength rose by 2.30-2.75 g/cm3, 9.74-13.04 %, and 8.55-15.27 kgf/cm, respectively. The thermal shock resistance was 30th cycles. The clay's tested refractoriness was 1550oC, while its estimated refractoriness was 1641oC.The chemical composition of the clay showed SiO2-55.19 %, Al2O3-23.92 %, Fe2O3- 19.43 %, K2O-3.50 %, TiO2-1.79 %, SO3-0.17 %, Na2O-0.16 %, V2O5-0.03 %, CaO-0.14 %, CO2O3-0.10, NiO-0.08 %, CuO-0.03 %, MnO-0.02 % as obtained from the XRF and SEMEDS data. From the foregoing, the Ezinite clay was found to be of the fire clay type. fire clay and can be employed in both industrial and technological applications, according to the findings.