Quality Assessment of the Physico-Mechanical and Elemental Composition of Three Pencil Grades and Eraser Types Produced in Nigeria

Abstract

The quality assessment of the physical (pH, electrical conductivity, density, writeability, eraseability), mechanical (compression test and break strength) and elemental composition of the pencil grades HB, 2B and 3B and eraser types of brand names Ben 10, Tiky 20 and the commonest White eraser in Nigerian primary school (Gummes Co. China) was carried out. The diameter of the graphite part increased in the order HB Cr > Cd. Though, the levels of the trace metals and essential elements detected in the school items are below the recommended limits, regulatory measures should be directed towards maintaining the standards of school items.

Keywords

• Quality assessment; Mechanical properties
• Elemental composition
• Pencil grades