Physio-Mechanical Properties of Earthen Whiteware Body from Selected Raw Materials in Nigeria

Abstract

The properties of ceramic materials determine the characteristics of the end products. This research presents the physio-mechanical properties of ceramic whiteware produced from Ehime Mbano kaolinite clay mixed with waste glass, silica and feldspar. All samples were collected from their various sources into different bag with labels (Ehime Mbano Kaolin - EMK, waste glass- SLWG, silica-IJS and AFJ-feldspar). The samples were carefully prepared separately by breaking, crushing and milling into fine powder of about 62μm. Six batch formulations (Fv1 – Fv6) were blended with the process materials with varying addition of feldspar to waste glass ratio. The samples were uniaxially pressed followed by sintering in a kiln to a temperature of 1000^oC for 2 hours. The samples were allowed to cool inside the kiln before offloading. Test such as shrinkage, porosity, water absorption, density, impact and compressive strength were examined to assess the physio-mechanical properties of the produced whiteware. The results showed that sample Fv5 exhibited better performance with the least water absorption (11.07%) while samples Fv3 and Fv5 has considerable density of 1.76 and 1.7 g/cm³ respectively. Sample Fv5 showed better compressive strength (4.86 Ma) while samples Fv3 displayed superior impact strength (79 J/m²). These results indicate the suitability of these materials in developing a ceramic whitewares.