Influence of Sintering Temperatures on Physico-Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Refractory Fireclay Bricks

Abstract

—This research emphasized on the influence of sintering temperatures on the microstructure and physico-mechanical properties of Kpata fireclay brick and Qua'an Panfireclay brick were assessed for suitability and application as refractory bricks. The clay samples were sintered at varied temperatures of 900 0 C, 1000 0 C, 1100 0 C and 1200 0 C. The clay samples were subjected to X-ray diffractometer to analyze the phase transformation after being sintered. The XRD results indicated the finger prints of the phase changes inthe Kpata and Qua'an Pan fireclay bricks.At the best sintering temperature of 1200 0 C, phase changes were quartz, mullite, rutile, corundum and cristobalite phases, while Qua'an Panfireclay brick had phase changes of quartz, cristobalite and mullite. SEManalysiswas carried out to observe the surface morphology.The refractoriness of Kpata and Qua'an Pan bricks were 1621 0 C and 1564 0 C respectively. Their cold crushing strength and apparent porosity were investigated.