Intern at ional Jo urna l of Mult idisciplinary Research and Dev elo pmen t
Volume: 2, Issue: 8, 161-166
Aug 2015
www.allsubjectjournal.com
e-ISSN: 2349-4182
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Iheoma C. Chukwujike
Department of polymer and
Textile Engineering, Nnamdi
Azikiwe University, Awka,
Nigeria.
Stanley O. Nwakpa
Department of Metallurgical
and Materials Engineering,
Nnmadi Azikiwe University,
Awka, Nigeria.
Jerome U. Odo
Department of Metallurgical
and Materials Engineering,
Nnmadi Azikiwe University,
Awka, Nigeria.
Correspondence
Iheoma C. Chukwujike
Department of polymer and
Textile Engineering, Nnamdi
Azikiwe University, Awka,
Nigeria.
Studies on the extender properties of some selected local
clays in Nigeria
Iheoma C. Chukwujike, Stanley O. Nwakpa, Jerome U. Odo
Abstract
The applications of clay minerals in the various process industries, engineering, petroleum discovery,
recovery and refining, and others, are closely related to their structure and composition. Important
characteristics relating to applications of clay minerals are particle size, surface chemistry, particle shape,
surface area, and other physical and chemical properties specific to a particular application such as
viscosity, colour, plasticity, green, dry and fired strength, absorption and adsorption, abrasion, and others.
The properties of two different clay minerals Nsu and Ihitte-Uboma have been studied. The clay minerals
were sundried, crushed, calcined at 550, 650, 750, 850, and 950 ºC and sieved to a particle size of
0.075mm and characterized. The physical (specific gravity, pH, refractive index, oil absorption), and
chemical composition of the clay were also studied. Results showed that the specific gravity, and oil
absorption ranged from 0.52885 - 0.784 and 59.26 - 51.94 respectively, and were of good standard
according to Nigeria industrial standard (NIS). The pH of the minerals, Sample A and B were determined
to be 5.06 and 4.79 respectively. From the result, the local clays were slightly acidic in nature. The
refractive index of the two different clay samples were found to be 1.7 and 2.0 which compares with the
true prime pigment such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) with refractive index near 2.75. XRF results of the clay
samples showed that the major oxides present in the clay minerals were silica and alumina oxide which
increased in percentage with increase in calcination temperature, while other oxides were found to be in
trace quantity.
Keywords: Clay, Extenders, Chemical composition
1. Introduction
The significance of solid mineral resources has been of profound value to man since time
immemorial. Clay minerals though not the most valuable among the minerals of the earth
surface, affect life on earth in various ways. Nigeria is a country with considerable wealth in
natural resources, with a record of over 30 minerals of proven reserves (Obaje, 2009) [15].
As far back as 1903 and 1904, geological survey in Nigeria evolved when the Mineral Surveys
of the Southern and Northern Protectorates of Nigeria were established under the British colony.
The Mineral Surveys carried out broad reconnaissance of mineral resources of the two
protectorates with the prospect of using the raw materials for industries in Britain. In course of
these activities, such deposits as tinstone, columbite limestone, bitumen, lead-zinc ores, coal,
clays, iron ore, gold, and marble etc were discovered in various parts of the country. After the
colonial era, government parastatals have been set up such as the Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid
Minerals Development, Raw Material Development Research Council (RMDRC) and the
Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) which all tried to establish a
comprehensive data list of basic mineral resources as they occur at various geological locations
in appreciable millions of tonnage that supports experimental and industrial uses (RMRDC-
FIIRO, 2009). In recent research purview, various studies on solid mineral resources using
geoscientific surveys and mineralogical characterization considered that the understanding of the
nation’s mineral potentials is critical for efficient exploration and exploitation towards
promoting sustainable economic development (Olokode, 2011) [17].
Nigeria’s geosphere is enriched with a wide range of both metallic and non-metallic minerals
deposited across the states of the nation which are and could still be beneficiated to provide the
raw materials for industrial manufacturing among other productive purposes. Noteworthy, clay
minerals constitute over 50% of the non-metallic, earthy and naturally occurring resources
abounding throughout Nigeria's sedimentary basins and on the basement. Extensive
investigation has been carried out on the liquid mineral endowment of the country, while little
has been done to solid mineral endowment of which clay is prominent and as a result, adoption
of solid mineral on industrial scale is scanty (Olokode, 2011) [17].
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International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development
Despite the vast potentials clay minerals are still grossly
underutilized and the few pockets of existing clay-based
industries have primarily harnessed the raw material for the
production of ceramic wares and structural products. A
growing number of investigations carried on the solid
industrial minerals in Nigeria have been broad based and
generic with consideration for geological survey and mineral
characterization. Besides, documented studies on clay
minerals in selected areas of Nigeria tend to focus more on the
mineral characterization and with little emphasis on the
economic potentials or usage of the minerals (Oluwafemi,
2013) [18]. This study had considered the industrial
potentialities in addition to the properties study of clay
mineral using clay from two different locations (Nsu and
Ihitte Uboma) in Nigeria as a case study. The qualities of clay
found determine its application and suitability for ceramic
products such as bricks, ceramic wares, and refractory. Clay
minerals are used significantly as a principal raw material for
ceramic manufacturing such as structural, refractories, and
white wares products. Clay minerals hold high material value
to industries in Nigeria utilizing them for ceramic purposes
towards socio-economic and industrial development. This
supports the main policy thrust of the economic reform
program of the Nigerian government which is targeted at
mobilizing national capability in converting the country’s
endowments into utility products and services for the common
man (Needs, 2004) [14].
The use of clays (smectite) as soaps and absorbents was
reported in Natural History by the Roman author Pliny. Clays
composed of kaolinite are required for the manufacture of
porcelain (ceramic materials such as cups and plates),
whiteware, and refractories. Talc, pyrophyllite, feldspar, and
quartz are often used in whiteware bodies, along with
kaolinite clay, to develop desirable shrinkage and burning
properties. Clays composed of a mixture of clay minerals, in
which illite (potassium and alumunum) is most abundant, are
used in the manufacture of brick, tile, stoneware, and glazed
products. In addition to its use in the ceramic industry,
kaolinite is utilized as an extender in aqueous-based paints
and as filler in natural and synthetic polymers.
Smectitic clays (bentonite) are employed primarily in the
preparation of muds for drilling oil wells. This type of clay,
which swells to several times its original volume in water,
provides colloidal and wall-building properties. Palygorskite
and sepiolite clays also are used because of their resistance to
flocculation under high salinity conditions. Certain clay
minerals, notably palygorskite, sepiolite, and some smectites,
possess substantial ability to remove coloured bodies from oil.
The fuller’s earths are used in processing many mineral and
vegetable oils (http//www.clay industrial uses.htm, accessed
03/02/2013). Because of their large absorbing capacity,
fuller’s earths are also used commercially for preparing
animal litter trays and oil and grease absorbents. Acid
treatment of some smectite clays increases their decolorizing
ability. Much gasoline is manufactured by using catalysts
prepared from a smectite, kaolinite, or halloysite type of clay
mineral. Tons of kaolinite clays are used as paper fillers and
paper coating pigments. Palygorskite-sepiolite minerals and
acid-treated smectites are used in the preparation of no-
carbon-required paper because of the colour they develop
during reactions with certain colourless organic compounds.
Local clays exhibit plasticity when mixed with water in
certain proportions. When dry, clay becomes firm and when
fired in a kiln, permanent physical and chemical changes
occur. These properties, among other properties, allow the
~ 162 ~
clay to be converted into a ceramic material. Because of these
properties, clay is used for making pottery items, both
utilitarian and decorative. Different types of clay, when used
with different minerals and firing conditions, are used to
produce earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Prehistoric
humans discovered the useful properties of clay (Hillier,
2003). Depending on the content of the soil, clay can appear
in various colours, from a dull gray to a deep orange-red.
Clay tablets were used as the first known writing medium,
inscribed with cuneiform script through the use of a blunt reed
called a stylus. Purpose-made clay balls were also used as
sling ammunition. Clays sintered in fire were the first form of
ceramic. Bricks, cooking pots, art objects, dishware, and even
musical instruments such as the ocarina can all be shaped
from clay before being fired. Clays are also used in many
industrial processes, such as paper making, cement
production, chemical filtering, and manufacture of pipes for
smoking tobacco.
Until the late 20th century bentonite clay was widely used as a
mould binder in the manufacture of sand castings. Clay
minerals are relatively impermeable to water, that is why they
are used where natural seals are needed, such as in the cores
of dams, or as a barrier in landfills against toxic seepage
(lining the landfill, preferably in combination with
geotextiles) (Hillier, 2003).
A traditional use of clay as medicine goes back to prehistoric
times. An example is Armenian bole, which is used to soothe
an upset stomach, similar to the way parrots (and later,
humans) in South America originally used it
(http//whistlemuseum.com/2011/04/15). Kaolin clay and
attapulgite have been used as anti-diarrheal medicines.
Clay is one of the oldest building materials on Earth, among
other ancient, naturally-occurring geologic materials such as
stone and organic materials like wood. Between one-half and
two-thirds of the world's population, in traditional societies as
well as developed countries, still live or work in buildings
made with clay as an essential part of its load-bearing
structure. Clay is also a primary ingredient in many natural
building techniques. Clay is used to create adobe, cob,
cordwood, and rammed earth structures and building elements
such as wattle and daub, clay plaster, clay render case, clay
floors and clay paints.
Clays have a tremendous number of miscellaneous uses, and
for each application a distinct type with particular properties is
important. Recently, clays have become important for various
aspects of environmental science and remediation. Dense
smectite clays can be compacted as bentonite blocks to serve
as effective barriers to isolate radioactive wastes
(http//www.clay mineral.com assessed 03/05/14). Various
clays may absorb various pollutants including organic
compounds (such as atrazine, trifluraline, parathion, and
malathion) and inorganic trace metals (such as copper, zinc,
cadmium, and mercury) from soils and groundwater. Clay is
also used as an effective barrier in landfills and mine tailing
ponds to prevent contaminants from entering the local
groundwater system. In addition, clays are not health hazard
materials except possibly palygorskites, which may damage
respiratory health. As research continues, clay minerals are
playing an increasing role in solving modern environmental
problems. In this regard, a lot of works has been done on the
use and compositions of clay and are reported.
Local clays are economically and less crucial constituents of
paint films. Calcined clays have remained the most useful
among the silks and satins of the modern formulation. In
today’s technology where thixotropy and compliance are
 
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development
major concerns, there is much to be salvaged from the
judicious manipulation of local clays. The dry paint film is
reasonably considered to be a mixture of discrete pigments
having different sizes and shapes set in a more or less
continuous pigment matrix. The special relationship of
pigment volume to the total volume of paint is a more crucial
parameter on which many characteristics of the applied film
depend. A combination of analytical techniques such as
atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), x-ray diffraction
(XRD), infrared spectroscopy(IR), energy dispersive analysis
of x-ray(EDAX), differential thermal analysis (DTA), have
been employed to characterize local clays.
The characterization of clays in Odukpani, South Eastern
Nigeria has been reported (Osabor et al., 2009) [19]. The x-ray
diffraction studies showed that the clay deposits consist
predominantly of kaolin and quartz with trace amounts of
illites and biotite materials. The infrared spectral analysis
between 400 and 3700cm-1 revealed interesting wave numbers
and absorption bands. EDAX analysis of the clay samples
reveals that Al and Si, were in the ratio of 1:2 whereas other
elements such as K, Ti, and Fe were below detection limits.
The thermal analysis revealed thermogrames that provided
valuable information on the purity of the starting materials
and the mode of the reactions of the various clay samples.
Bentonite clay from pindiga, Gombe State, Nigeria was
investigated for their mineral content, and chemical
composition using X-ray diffraction technique, and X-ray
fluorescence respectively (Ahmed et al., 2012) [2]. The pindiga
raw bentonite was found to contain Ca-, K-, Na-, and Mg-
monmorillonite minerals with the calcium type being the
predominant mineral which also appeared to be the most
thermally stable. Accessory minerals such as graphite, carbon,
quartz and iron (III) oxide were also found to be contained in
the clay.
Fire clay deposits from Onibode and Owode-Ketu in Ogun
State were characterized for various refractory properties for
use in foundry industries in Nigeria (Ipeh et al., 2011) [10].
Onibode clay showed better refractory properties. The
samples were of the family of aluminosilcate, acidic type and
quasi brittle at low temperatures. The refractoriness of
Onibode was 1700oC while that of Owodo-Ketu was 1350oC.
Evaluation of clay deposits from Gwandu in Kebi State for its
potentials as an industrial raw material was reported
(Abubakar et al., 2014) [1]. The result of chemical composition
indicated that the clay was composed of silica (SiO2) 64.50%,
alumina (Al2O3) 16. 30%, iron oxide (Fe2O3), 14.20%,
calcium oxide (CaO) 0.2%, potassium oxide (K2O) 0.74%,
titanium dioxide (TiO2) 1.71% and other oxides in traces. The
chemical analysis suggests that the clay deposit is mainly
made of kaolinite and free quartz. Result of the physical test
showed that the clay has an apparent porosity of 28.48%, bulk
density of 1.8g/cm3, thermal shock resistance of seven cycles,
and estimated refractoriness of 1349oC. The physical,
chemical and mineralogical characterization of Idemili River
clay deposit was investigated (Ekpunobi et al., 2013) [5]. The
result showed that the sample contained phyllosilicate
minerals of mica group identified as Magnesia Montdorite
(KMg2.5[SiO10][OH]2), a mainly synthetic silicate. The
pysico- chemical analysis of the deposit corroborates the XRD
results. From the result it was concluded that this local raw
material should be worked on for industrial production, rather
than importing them.
Similarly, (Mark, 2010) [12] studied the mineralogical
composition, chemical composition, plasticity, linear
shrinkage, apparent porosity, bulk density, cold crushing
~ 163 ~
strength, thermal shock resistance, thermal conductivity, and
refractoriness (softening point) of Ibere and Oboro clay
deposits in Ikwuano, Abia State of Nigeria for refractory and
other applications. Results obtained showed that the Ibere and
Oboro clays were largely kaolinite and chemically composed
mainly of silica (52.06% and 60.21% respectively) and
alumina (27.87% and 19.05% respectively). The oxides
appreciated to 59.2% and 62.47% (silica), 31.8% and 21.30%
(alumina) respectively in the fired product; and the ratio of
alumina to silica remained unchanged, i.e. 0.54 and 0.34
respectively. The physical/refractory characteristics examined
confirmed that the clays belong to the fireclay class and are
useful for refractory and ceramic applications. A study on the
suitability of dabagi clay as an industrial raw material was
reported (Abubakar et al., 2014) [1]. The result of the chemical
analysis revealed that dabagi clay contained aluminum oxide
(Al2O3) and silica SiO2 as a major constituent. The apparent
porosity and linear shrinkage of the clays were moderately
high while the bulk density and cold crushing strength were
low and therefore good for the production of refractory bricks,
ceramics and high melting clay materials.
Characterization and modification of Egyptian dolomite ore to
be used as extenders in paint was reported (Youssef, 2002)
[23]
. Promising results were achieved and the films showed
high performance as an efficient extender pigment for coating
applications that can replace satisfactorily prime pigment.
Mayo-belwa clay deposit in Adamawa state, Nigeria was
characterized to establish its industrial use (Haruna et al.,
2014) [7]. The results from the analysis showed a chemical
composition of 59.8% SiO2, 7.08% Al2O3, 2.54% Fe2O3, 0.3%
MgO, 4.39% Na2O, 2.54% K2O and 1.5% CaO. The clay has
a moderate plasticity of about 2.83 kgf/cm2, moderate
shrinkage of 10.5%, modulus of rupture (strength) ranging
from 22.56 kgF/cm2 to 34.86 kgF/cm2 and the colour changed
from grey to red on firing. These properties signified that
Mayo-Belwa clay was stoneware clay. It can be used for the
production of stoneware, flowerpot, source of silica for floor
tiles and brick making, and also as a binder in the absence of
standard binder such as phosphoric acid.
The rapid development of the global alumina industry has led
to a considerable increase in the production of alumina and
processing alumina from non-bauxitic sources. Lampang clay
comprises various minerals that contain about 22.7wt. % of
extractable alumina and are reported in the literature. Paweena
et al. (2012) [20] studied the compositional analysis of lampang
clay. It was found that lampang clay used showed a
composition of 66.30% SiO2, 22.7% Al2O3, 4.05% K2O,
0.63% Fe2O3, 0.03% TiO2, 0.05% CaO, 0.05% MgO, 0.49%
Na2O and a loss of ignition of 5.10wt.%. The XRD patterns of
lampang clay predominantly showed minerals such as quartz,
illite, and kaolinite. Dehydration by thermal treatment
converts clay to activated clay which is a semi-crystalline and
much more reactive than the local clay.
The chemical composition and bleaching capacity of some
local clay for decolourizing used oils was studied (Bakhtar et
al., 2011) [4]. The chemical composition test of the local clay
showed the presence of SiO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, K2O,
Na2O, TiO2, and MnO2. Similar results was obtained by
Ajemba et al., 2012 who studied the dissolution kinetics and
mechanisms of reaction of udi clay in nitric acid solution and
found that the raw udi clay contained 40.25% SiO, 24.42%
Al2O3, 17.25% Fe2O3, 0.14% CaO, 3.60% MgO, 2.34% SO3,
2.32% Na2O, 2.33% K2O, and 7.32% loss on ignition. The
performance of Sudanese activated bentonite in bleaching
cottonseed oil has been studied (Kamalk et al., 2011) [11]. The
 
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development
X-ray analysis of bentonite ore indicated that it contained
montmorillonite and kaolinite as clay minerals in addition
with quartz and calcite minerals. The chemical composition
and loss on ignition (L. O. I.) of untreated bentonite clay
showed a total of 97.42%, while the chemical composition of
treated bentonite clay with 10% of H2SO4 showed a total of
96.99%, 20% of treatment with H2SO4 yielded 97.37%, 30%
of H2SO4 showed a total of 97.96%, and that of 40% of H2SO4
showed a total of 97.46%. Acid treatment has modified the
structure of bentonite as indicated by the change in the
chemical composition. As acid concentration increases,
SiO2% increases, while Al, Fe and Mg decrease throughout at
all acid concentrations. Similar result was reported by Kirali
et al. (2006). The results thus indicate the replacement of
these cations during the activation process Francisco et al.
(2001) [6]. It is expected that the exchangeable cations Ca+2,
K+ and Na+ were removed during the acid treatment of
bentonite.
2. Experimentals
2.1 Materials Used
The local clays used in this work were Nsu and Ihitte Uboma
clay from Imo State, Nigeria.
2.2 Sample Preparation
The two local clays samples, Nsu and Ihitte Uboma (samples
A and B respectively) were hand dug from their respective
locations, crushed to coarse particles and sundried. Each of
the local clay were shared into five portions and stored in
sample containers. Afterwards, the clay samples were
subjected to thermal treatment (calcination) at five (5)
different temperatures 550, 650, 750, 850 and 950 ºC
respectively for three (3) hours using the Fulhan laboratory
kiln. The calcined clay samples were ground using Mortar and
Pestle and then sieved through a mesh size of 0.075mm. The
fine particles of the clay samples that passed through the sieve
were collected and stored in their respective sample containers
for further studies. The clay samples at this point can be said
to have undergone thermal modification, otherwise known as
Calcination.
2.3 Physical and Chemical Compositional Analysis of
Local Clays
The clay samples were characterized on pH, Oil absorption,
Refractive Index and Specific gravity using standard test
procedures. The local clay (raw and calcined) samples were
analyzed for the following oxides using the X-ray
Fluorescence (XRF): SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO,
Na2O, K2O, SO3, MnO, Sc2O3, V2O5, Cr2O3, NiO, CuO, ZnO,
BaO, and L.O.I. T
3. Result and Discussion
The physical and chemical compositions of the two local clays
have been studied and are represented in tables 1, 2 and 3
respectively. The particle size used in this study was
0.075mm.
Table 1: Physical characterization of local (raw) clay
Parameters Sample A Sample B
Oil absorption (%) 59.26 51.94
pH 5.06 4.79
Specific gravity 0.52885 0.784
Refractive index 1.7 2.0
~ 164 ~
3.1 pH
The pH of the two clay Samples were determined to be 5.06
and 4.79 respectively. This result shows that the local clays
are slightly acidic in nature and can be applicable in acidic
environment. The pH of commercial whiting (convectional
extender) is 8.74 (Tiwari and Saxena, 1999; Hare and beck,
2001) [21, 8]. The pH of the local clay investigated compares
with the pH of kaolin from literature which is in the range of
4.5 - 7 (Hare and Beck, 2001) [8]
3.2 Oil Absorption
The oil absorption of the clays was determined to be 59.26
and 51.94 respectively. This result is in agreement with Odozi
et al., 1996 who studied the characterization of Okigwe -
Mbano clay and the found the oil absorption to be 60. The oil
absorption of an extender gives the amount of base resin
required in paint formulation. Less oil absorption indicates
less resin demand without compromising other coating
properties (Morgan, 1990) [13]. The high level of oil absorption
recorded for Sample A is an indication that more base resin
may be required. On the other hand, the comparatively low
level of oil absorption recorded for Sample B clay is an
indication that less amount of base resin may be required. The
oil absorption of some extenders are fly ash 19.0, China clay
30-60, barites 10-14, gypsum 20-24, talc 25-35 (Tiwari and
Saxena, 1999) [21].
3.3 Specific Gravity
The specific gravities of the two clay samples were
determined to be 0.52885 and 0.784. These specific gravities
were lower than that of commercial whiting 2.80 and many
other conventionally used extenders. The above results
showed that the local clays are able to be used in high
proportions without having any adverse effect in the bulk
density of the formulation. This result is in agreement with
Woodbridge, (1991) [22] who studied the principles of paint
formulation.
3.4 Refractive Index
The refractive index of the two clay Samples were determined
to be 1.7 and 2.0 respectively. Extenders do not enhance the
true opacity or colour of the coating film. This is not markedly
different from the values found in most dry polymer films
(1.45–1.7), and these extenders give neither opacity nor much
colour when they are added into clear coatings. This should be
compared to true prime pigments, such as TiO2, which have
refractive indexes near 2.75 (Hare and Beck, 2001) [8].
3.5 Chemical Composition of the clay minerals
The results of the chemical analysis of local clays indicate the
presence of Silica (SiO2) and Alumina (Al2O3) in high
proportions and other constituents are present in very small
proportions. The high proportion of silica and alumina in the
local clays indicates the type of clay which is Kaolin. The
oxides increase with increasing calcination temperature. This
was due to opening of the clay pores and this improves the
adsorptive power of the local clay. The calcined clay has the
ability to accept further modifications.
Furthermore, it was observed that the percentage weights of
silica and alumina oxides and TiO2 increased with increased
calcination temperature of both local clays. It can therefore be
deduced that these modified local clays can be used in other
several inspiring applications such as fillers in the paper,
rubber and plastic industries without adverse effect.
 
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development
 

Table 2: Chemical Composition of local clay (Sample A)

Oxide Composition, wt %
S/N Constituents Raw Calcined at 550 Calcined at 650 Calcined at 750 Calcined at 850 Calcined at 950
Sample ºC ºC ºC ºC ºC
1 SiO2 57.52 58.98 62.00 62.75 62.87 63.93
2 TiO2 0.85 0.92 1.93 2.01 1.77 2.20
3 Al2O3 25.29 25.93 28.02 28.22 28.75 29.45
4 Fe2O3 0.11 0.18 0.11 0.20 0.28 0.22
5 CaO 0.251 0.119 0.188 0.172 0.208 0.244
6 MgO - - - -
7 Na2O 0.30 0.27 0.17 0.25 0.28 0.27
8 K2O 0.492 0.475 0.411 0.432 0.443 0.465
9 SO3 - 0.17 0.13 0.11 0.10 0.14
10 MnO 0.023 0.033 0.010 0.013 0.019 0.011
11 Sc2O3 0.003 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.00
12 V2O5 0.23 0.22 0.13 0.12 0.19 0.11
13 Cr2O3 0.079 0.086 0.078 0.085 0.088 0.057
14 NiO - - - - - -
15 CuO 0.019 0.023 0.016 0.015 0.017 0.015
16 ZnO - - - - - -
17 BaO - - 0.16 0.18 0.23 0.22
18 L.O.I. 14.83 12.59 6.787 5.471 4.754 2.668

Table 3: Chemical Composition of local clay (Sample B)

Oxide Composition, wt %
S/N Constituents Raw Calcined at 550 Calcined at 650 Calcined at 750 Calcined at 850 Calcined at 950
Clay ºC ºC ºC ºC ºC
1 SiO2 63.09 63.22 63.88 64.77 65.88 67.95
2 TiO2 0.60 0.90 1.28 1.40 1.48 1.52
3 Al2O3 20.90 21.89 22.07 22.47 24.82 25.90
4 Fe2O3 0.11 0.14 0.22 0.25 0.27 0.31
5 CaO 0.280 0.192 0.197 0.189 0.223 0.242
6 MgO - - - - - -
7 Na2O 0.36 0.19 0.32 0.17 0.22 0.31
8 K2O 1.04 0.418 0.456 0.427 0.438 0.580
9 SO3 0.30 0.08 0.11 0.12 0.08 -
10 MnO 0.031 0.018 0.022 0.016 0.022 -
11 Sc2O3 0.002 0.00 0.001 0.002 0.005 0.002
12 V2O5 0.26 0.17 0.26 0.18 0.22 0.22
13 Cr2O3 0.080 0.039 0.028 0.054 0.076 0.094
14 NiO 0.008 - - - - -
15 CuO 0.024 0.19 0.23 0.015 0.017 0.018
16 ZnO 0.02 - - - - -
17 BaO - 0.29 0.19 0.27 0.43 0.48
18 L.O.I. 12.90 12.263 9.667 6.695 2.37

4. Conclusions
Clay materials have been found to be useful in the production
of refractory materials. The present down turn in the nation’s
economy and the uncertainty facing the petrochemical and
metallurgical industries has necessitate to source for raw
materials to support the growth of these industries by
producing high quality refractory commercially thereby
substituting for importation and saving the much needed for
foreign exchange. Properties of two clay samples (Nsu and
Ihitte Uboma clay) in Imo State Nigeria have been studied.
This study revealed that the two clay materials are high
silicate and aluminate clays with low iron III oxide and
content and low content of other metal oxides. The oil
absorption and refractive index studied compared favourably
with those of other commercial important extenders used in
the coating industries. The pH of the clay was slight acidic
and can be favourable in acidic environment. The specific
gravity of the clay studied was lower than most commercial
and this shows that the local clays investigated can be used in
high proportions in the coating industries without having any
adverse effect in the bulk density of the formulated paint. The
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above study suggests that calcined clay can be used in other
several inspiring applications such as fillers in the paper,
rubber, and plastic industries.
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