Effects of silicon carbide on some refractory properties of Kankara clay

Some refractory properties of Kankara clay, found in abundance in Kankara village of Katsina State, Nigeria blended with silicon carbide, for the production of refractory bricks for furnace lining has been investigated. 5 - 25% silicon carbide was used as blend to improve some refractory properties such as porosity, refractoriness, cold crushing strength 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 7.25 to 2.20% and from 56.45 to 36.4% 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 Keywords : Kankara clay, refractory properties, silicon carbide Journal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 5(1&2) 2005: 21-26