Mineralogical and Chemical Evaluation of Agbaja Fireclay for Industrial Applications
1 Department of Glass and Silicate Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2 Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Industrial Design, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
* Corresponding author: yayakubu096@gmail.com
2 Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Industrial Design, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
* Corresponding author: yayakubu096@gmail.com
Abstract
To evaluate the potential of Agbaja clay for industrial applications, a comprehensive analysis of its physico-chemical and mineralogical properties was undertaken. The clay exhibited a predominantly kaolinitic composition, as determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), with halloysite and illite as minor constituents. The chemical analysis revealed significant alumina (Al₂O₃) and silica (SiO₂) content at 38.68 wt% and 39.47 wt%, respectively, along with negligible alkali oxide impurities. The clay demonstrated plastic behavior with an Atterberg Plasticity Index of 15.45% and a neutral pH of 6.61. Based on these findings, Agbaja clay is deemed suitable for a wide range of applications including the production of refractory materials, vitreous ceramics, and as a filler in paper, rubber, plastic, and pharmaceutical industries. A notable characteristic is the colour transformation from milk white to light grey upon firing.
Keywords
Agbaja Clay
Atterberg Plasticity Index
X-ray fluorescence
X-ray diffraction
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How to Cite
Y., A., & M., G. C. (2023). Mineralogical and Chemical Evaluation of Agbaja Fireclay for Industrial Applications. Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 13(1), 46-52.
A. Y., and G. C. M., "Mineralogical and Chemical Evaluation of Agbaja Fireclay for Industrial Applications," Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 46-52, June 2023.
