Production of Refractory Porcelain Crucibles from Local Ceramic Raw Materials using Slip Casting

Abstract

The vast need for refractories in Nigeria makes it imperative to domesticate its production in the country in order to reduce over-reliance on their importation. In this research, refractory porcelain crucibles were produced from indigenous ceramic raw materials from Ikere Ekiti and Awo (locations in South Western, Nigeria). Chemical analysis was carried out on the raw materials using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) to determine their chemical compositions. Five body compositions, labeled as samples A-E were formulated and the crucibles were produced using slip casting. They were dried and fired in a gas kiln up to 1300C for 6 hours. The result of the standard tests carried out on the locally produced porcelain crucibles showed total shrinkage of 10%-15%, water absorption of 0.36%-0.72%, compressive strength of 1.43N/mm-1.65 N/mm and refractoriness of 1680.2C-1717.5C. The result showed that ceramic raw materials sourced from the selected deposits in South Western Nigeria are suitable for the production of porcelain crucibles with good refractory properties.