Refractory properties of snail shell particulate modified termite clay

Abstract

This research studied the possibility of enhancing the refractory properties of termite-based clay with the addition of particulate snail shells. The clay was sourced from Federal University of Technology, Akure Campus while the snail shells were obtained from farmland in Akure, Ondo State. The prepared sample compositions consist of 100 wt. % clay (control sample) and those with varying proportions of 3-15 wt. % particulate snail shell. Samples produced were air dried for 48 hours. The dried samples were oven dried at a temperature of 110°C for 2 hours and finally fired in a furnace at a temperature of 900°C for 2 hours to increase strength for handling. The fired samples were subjected to physical and mechanical tests to determine their refractory properties. Representative samples were characterized via the stereo microscope in order to ascertain the amount and sizes of pores in the ceramic matrix composite after firing and also were characterized via ED-XRF in order to ascertain the relative abundance of the elemental constituents of the clay. Results obtained showed that termite clay admixed with 9-12 wt. % particulate snail shells exhibited the desired properties of a good refractory material suitable for low duty work.