CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME NIGERIAN CLAYS AS REFRACTORY MATERIALS FOR FURNACE LINING

The suitability of some Nigerian clays as refractory raw materials was investigated. The clay samples were first analysed to determine their chemical compositions. Fireclay bricks test specimens were prepared by standard method. They were then tested for properties such as apparent porosity, bulk density, thermal shock resistance, fired shrinkage, refractoriness and cold crushing strength. The result obtained showed that both test samples qualify as high melting fireclays. The refractory properties measured revealed them as being usable as refractory bricks when blended.