Effect of Tin Tailings on Some Refractory Properties of Alumino-Silicates (Alkaleri) Clay

Abstract

The possibilities of upgrading some refractory properties of Alkaleri Clay (Alumino-silicates), found in Alkaleri Village, Bauchi State, Nigeria, by blending with tin tailings for the production of fireclay refractory bricks were investigated. Refractory properties such as: linear shrinkage, apparent porosity, bulk density, cold crushing strength and thermal shock resistance were tested with percentage additions of tin tailings from 5 - 30 wt% in the blend. The test was con- ducted using the standard test techniques in each case. The results were compared with standard refractory properties for fire clay bricks. Cold crushing strength, bulk density, refractoriness and thermal shock resistance of the bricks made from the blend clay increased, as the percentages of tin tailings increased. The Linear shrinkage and apparent porosity decreased as the percentages of tin tailings addition increased. All the values obtained from the blends are within the recommended values for dense fireclay bricks. Hence, dense fireclay can be produced from this blended.