Ceramic properties of clay deposits from Anambra Basin, South Eastern Nigeria

Victor Alfred Ayodele¹, Muyideen Alade Saliu², Bidem Ogunyemi Olaoluwa²

¹West African Ceramics Ltd, Ajaokuta, Nigeria

²Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Min. miner. depos. 2022, 16(1):19-23

https://doi.org/10.33271/mining16.01.019

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. To determine and evaluate some ceramic properties (plasticity index, linear shrinkage, porosity, and bulk density) of clay deposits from Anambra Basin of South Eastern Nigeria.

      Methods. Fifteen clay samples were collected by trenching methods. Samples were tested for plasticity index, linear shrinkage, loss on ignition, porosity, and bulk density using test standards developed by the American Society of Test and Materials. Result data were evaluated using tabulation and statistical graphs.

      Findings. Mean plasticity index of the samples range from 14.3 to 21.3. Mean linear shrinkage is from 2.5 to 5.5%. Mean loss on ignition is from 6.56 to 9.75%. Mean porosities is from 6.9 to 30.1%. Mean bulk density is between 2362 and 1692 kg/m³. The ceramic properties of the deposits varied across location, and no single deposit has the complete set of ceramic properties needed in ceramic industries.

      Originality. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research that looked into the distributions of ceramic properties of clay deposits in Anambra geologic Basin.

      Practical implications. The findings will help investors to make informed decisions on clay deposits in their investment plans and can be used as supporting document when applying for mining titles.

      Keywords: ceramic, clay, deposit, plasticity index, porosity, linear shrinkage, bulk density

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