Investigation of the physical and thermal properties of Ama-Orji Umuokoro Umuariam Obowo clay for industrial applications

This study examines the clay deposits in Ama-Orji, Umuokoro Umuariam Obowo, Imo State, Nigeria, using various characterization techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRF results showed that more than half of the clay are silica (SiO ₂ ) and that about one-third of it is alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ). XRD analysis identified quartz (32%) and kaolinite (35%) as the major mineral compositions in the clay. BET analysis indicated a surface area of 39.269 m²/g and a pore volume of 0.202 cm³/g, with mesopore sizes. Thermal analyses (TGA, DTA, DSC) indicated the clay’s thermal stability for industrial applications. The theoretical refractoriness was 1650.67°C, within the range of 1500–1700°C; however, the thermal shock resistance was only 11–14 cycles, which is below the typically required 20–30 cycles. The cold crushing strength of pure clay samples was 0.14 MPa, significantly lower than the required 10–100 MPa. In contrast, blended samples achieved strengths of 12.87-47 MPa. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 W/m·K, suggesting potential improvements with higher firing temperatures. Overall, the Ama-Orji clay is suitable for refractory lining applications, though improvements are needed in thermal shock resistance and strength.