Assessment of physical properties of some selected clay deposits in Jigawa state for refractory application

The physical properties of clay deposits located in Mailolo in Hadejia Local Government Area, Gwaram in Ringim Local Government Area and Firimo in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State were assessed for use as refractory materials. Jigawa State is blessed with abundant deposits of clay, which is mostly used for the production of potteries, mud houses and structures. Samples of clays were collected from the deposits and test specimens were prepared for evaluating their physical properties to determine whether they will be suitable for refractory applications. The results of the assessment showed that Firimo, Mailolo and Gwaram possesses cold crushing strength values of 44.6 kg/cm2, 281.13 kg/cm2 and 223.6 kg/cm2 ; bulk strength values of 1.93 g/cm3, 1.73 g/cm3 and 1.41 g/cm3; moisture content values of 2.20% , 3.70% and 4.30%; percentage clay content values of 32.83%, 64.66% and 83.12% ; water absorption values of 3.00% ,4.00% and 5.00% and refractoriness values of 12500C, 12000C and 12000C respectively. Due to their low refractoriness, thermal shock resistance and apparent porosity the clays will only be suitable for low temperature refractory applications such as insulation, bakery oven lining, patching materials, slag pot and ladles lining etc.