Ceramics applications of clay in Lake Chad Basin, Central Africa

Abstract

In this work, clay located in Lake Chad Basin, were collected and investigated for their physical, chemical, mineralogical and firing characteristics to evaluate their potential suitability in various ceramic applications. Physical properties were identified by particle size distribution, specific surface area, atterberg limits, swelling rate, and activities of clay. Chemical and mineralogical properties were carried out by XRF and XRD techniques, respectively. Samples were fired in the range from 750 to 1250 °C and the properties of their fired products determined. Firing characteristics were measured by color, sound test, weight loss, bulk density, firing shrinkage and compression strength. Water absorption was determinated during 3 months in water immersion. Results show that clayey materials are rich in fine particles, and have a highest plasticity and are made up mainly by smectites associated to kaolinite, illites, quartz and feldspars. Chemically, the studied clays are rich in silica and poor in alumina. The relative high iron content (3–7%) is responsible for the reddish color in firing. Bulk density, linear firing shrinkage and compressive strength are in the norm of tiles and fine ceramic. Water absorption at all samples is <20% indicating that the Lake Chad Basin clays can be used for brick and roofing tiles. Their technological properties were promising to formulate bodies for monoporosa, with samples might give ‘Cottoforte’, ‘Red stoneware’ and “Red monoporosa”. Other sample can be used in the bricks making.