Performance Evaluation of Aro-Ndizuogu Local Clay in Alkyd Paint Production

Abstract

The potentials of Aro-Ndizuogu clay as an extender in gloss paint have been investigated. The physical properties of the local clay investigated: refractive index (1.54), pH (7.10), oil absorption (32g/100g clay), and specific gravity (2.13) compared favourably with that of conventional extenders. Gloss paints were prepared using the local clay (as an extender), xylene as solvent, and alkyd resin as binder. Paint samples prepared using TiO2 pigment was used for comparison. Results obtained from the analysis of the paint samples showed that TiO2 formulated alkyd paint samples exhibited the highest specific gravity (1.42) while the alkyd paint containing 50 % local clay, the least (1.30). While TiO2 formulated paint samples did not show any settling tendency, paint samples containing 50 and 60 % local clay had poor settling tendencies. The resistance of dry paint films was generally good in 20 % Na2CO3, distilled water, and 20 % NaCl. However, all the prepared paint samples failed NH3, and H2SO4 resistance tests. The present study has shown that Aro-Ndizuogu clay exhibited similar performance properties in the prepared alkyd paint samples like TiO2 prepared paint, and should find utilization in the surface coatings industry.