Browsing by Author "Elakhame, Z. U.,"
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Item Assessment of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Clay Deposits in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State Nigeria for Industrial Applications.(Journal of Research Information in Civil Engineering. Published by Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria., 2019-02) Shuaib-Babata, Y. L.,; Ambali, I. O.,; Ibrahim, H. K.,; Ajao, K. S.,; Elakhame, Z. U.,; Aremu, N. I.; Odeniyi, O. M.Adequate information about the properties of most available clay materials in Nigeria is necessary to enhance their industrial applications. Availability of this information will adversely reduce importation of refractory materials and its products into the country, since the mineral resources are abundantly available in the country. This study evaluated the chemical and physico-mechanical properties of some selected clay deposits across the three districts of Asa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State to ascertain their suitability for refractory and other industrial applications. The results revealed that the clay samples were mainly alumina-silica based with silica and alumina concentrations of 47.30 – 58.50% and 32.75 – 34.30% respectively. The physico-mechanical properties exhibited by the clay samples included: clay content (33.80-72.20%), linear shrinkage (6.10-9.80%), moisture content (21.00-33.00%), bulk density (1.99 - 2.87 g/cm3), apparent porosity (21.00-37.00%), permeability (73-94), compressive strength (213-840 N/mm2), thermal shock resistance (+29 cycles), specific gravity (2.18-2.52) and refractoriness (>1300oC). The properties were within the required standard values which make the clays suitable for insulating materials, refractories for low-medium thermal applications and manufacturing of ceramics. Though, Afon, Bakase and Ballah clay samples may require the addition of organic matter to enhance the clays’ suitability for applications that may require a higher value of porosity and permeability and low density. Effective utilization of Asa L.G.A. clays will help to domesticate the production of refractory products and enhance the establishment of Small and Medium Scale Foundry Enterprises in Nigeria in addressing the problem of unemployment.Item Characterization of Belle Natural Moulding Sand for Foundry Application.(Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria, 2019-02-18) Shuaib-Babata, Y. L.,; Nafiu, M. B.,; Ajao, K. S.,; Ambali, I. O.,; Elakhame, Z. U.,; Busari, O. Y.,; Ibrahim, H. K.; Aremu, N. I.There exists vast availability of natural sands which may be suitable for foundry applications in different locations Kwara State in particular and generally in Nigeria. The sands need to be identified and characterised for productive and profitable foundry practices. In this study, assessment of chemical and physicomechanical properties of the natural moulding sand in Belle community of Kwara State, Nigeria was carried out to ascertain its suitability for foundry applications. The analysis of the sand samples’ Chemical compositions were done using an XRF Analyser, while American foundry-men Society, ASTM and British standards laboratory tests procedures were adopted appropriately to determine the sand’s physico-mechanical properties. The results of chemical composition analysis showed that SiO2 have dominance proportion in the sand sample with an average value of 92.90 %, followed by Al2O3 (5.13%). CaO, Fe2O3, MgO, K2O, Na2O, ZnO and MnO were present within acceptable limits as trace elements. The results showed average physico-mechanical properties of the natural moulding sand sample to include grain fineness number (126), bulk density (1765 Kg/m3 ), moisture contents (7.66%), specific gravity (2.64), permeability (0.1cm/s), green compressive strength (51KN/m2 ), dry compressive strength (209KN/m2 ), flowability (65.22%), clay content (10%) shatter index (76%) and refractoriness (>900o C), which were within the required standards for casting of non-ferrous metal. Thus, Belle sand was found suitable for casting of non-ferrous metals. Though, there may be a need for the use of additives like bentonite, to enhance the sand’s clay content in order to increase the sand potential for foundry applicationsItem Suitability of Cow Horn as Filler in an Epoxy Composite,(Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria., 2019) 7. Ambali, I. O.; Shuaib-babata, Y. L.,; Alasi, T. O.,; Aremu, I. N.,; Ibrahim, H. K.,; Elakhame, Z. U.,; Abdulraman, S. O.This study focuses on assessment of cow horn as filler in an epoxy composite. A particle-reinforced composite was developed using horn particles (HP) and epoxy resin with filler of varying percentage weight (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%. 25%, 30%, 35%, 40 %) at particle sizes of 100 and 150 μm. The composites were developed by hand lay-up technique with varying process parameters. The properties of the developed composites were examined through tensile, flexural and impact tests. The results showed that the tensile properties of the polymers reduced with the incorporation of the cow horn as filler. But at higher curing temperature, a better strength was achieved. Meanwhile, the flexural and impact properties of the polymers increased with the incorporation of the fiber in no particular order. The composite materials with particle size of 100 μm with curing temperature of 80oC exhibited higher tensile (37.58 MPa) and impact properties (74 J) than the lower particles. Generally, the cow horn was found to be a good potential filler in the composite if prepared using higher curing temperature as exhibited through its mechanical properties.