THE EFFECTS OF SILICON CARBIDE ON SOME REFRACTORY PROPERTIES OF BAUCHI CLAY

Abstract

Some refractory properties of Bauchi clay, found in abundant in Alkaleri area of Bauchi State, Nigeria blended with silicon carbide, for the production of refractory bricks for furnace lining has been Investigated. 525% silicon carbide was used as blend to enhance some refractory properties such as porosity and thermal shock resistance of the clay. Refractory properties measured included: Linear shrinkage, apparent porosity, bulk density, thermal shock resistance and cold crushing strength. Linear shrinkage and apparent porosity of the bricks made from the blend decreased with the percentage of silicon carbide added. These properties decreased from 5.66 to 2.49% and from 33.02 to 16.31% at 25% silicon carbide level respectively. The cold crushing strength and thermal shock resistance of the bricks increased as the percentage of silicon carbide added increased.