Study Of The Properties Of Some Local Clays For The Production Of Floor Tiles

ABSTRACT  

The suitability of some clay deposits in South Eastern Nigeria (Unwana, Ekebedi, Okigwe and Nsu) as materials for the production of floor tiles was investigated. The clay samples were analyzed using wet classical method to determine their chemical composition. Floor tile test specimens were produced using standard method. The test specimens were tested for physical properties such as compressive strength and porosity at 10500C and 11500C temperature levels. The chemical analysis showed the following results: Unwana (SiO2,52.24%, AL2O3, 27.20%,Fe2O37% TiO2(1.52%), Ekebedi SiO2 (58.53%) Al2O3 (28.42%), Fe2O3 (1.41%),TiO2 (1.12%), Nsu SiO2(58.16%), Al2O3(28.03%), Fe2O3 (1.89%), TiO2(0.82), Okigwe SiO2 (53.00%), Al2O3 (27.40%), Fe2O3 (6.56%),TiO2 (1.31%). The compressive strength of Unwana, Ekebedi, Okigwe and Nsu clays at 10500C are respectively 15MPa, 13.75MPa, 14.5MPa and 13.5MPa. At 11500C, the values are 16.2MPa and 16.0MPa for Ekebedi and Nsu clays respectively. The porosity of Unwana, Ekebedi, Okigwe and Nsu clays at 10500C are respectively 31.57%, 23.15%, 27.30% and 24.21%. At 11500C, the values are 23.65% and 24.75% for Ekebedi and Nsu respectively. The four clays can be used for the production of tiles but Ekebedi has the highest compressive strength which makes it the most suitable clay for the production of floor tiles when compared with floor tiles of the same nominal size stipulated by ASTM standard. 

Key Words: Compressive Strength, Porosity, clay minerals, quartz, feldspar