EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, MINERALOGY AND THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CLAY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL PORCELAIN INSULATOR

Authors: *Kadurumba C.H, Nwogu-Chibuike C.G, Ogunsola, T.M

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated a clay sample from Umuezeagu, Obowo in Imo state, Nigeria. The study evaluated the physical and chemical properties, mineralogy and technique fitness of the clay for the production of low voltage electrical insulator. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to determine the chemical composition and the bulk analysis (mineralogy) of the clay respectively. Also, other established processes were used to determine the physical properties of the clay such as shrinkages, apparent porosity, water absorption, bulk density, apparent density, modulus of rupture, making moisture and refractoriness. The values of bulk density, apparent density, apparent porosity, water absorption, linear shrinkage, total shrinkage, modulus of rupture and making moisture obtained at 1200°C were 1.613g/cm³, 2.633g/cm³, 38.749%, 24.039%, 4.918%, 13.0%, 41.278kgf/cm³ and 30.529% respectively. The refractoriness was > 1200°C. These showed its suitability for the production of electrical porcelain insulator.

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