Characterization of Ijero-Ekiti Quartz as Refractory Raw Material for Industrial Furnace

Abstract

This study investigated the suitability of Ijero-Ekiti quartz as a refractory raw material for industrial furnace applications. In order to ascertain its prospective applications, the thermal behaviour, mineralogical composition and chemical composition were determined. Ijero-Ekiti quartz was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal analysis (TGA and DTA). Its thermal conductivity with specific heat coefficient was determined. The outcome revealed that the quartz sample has a high purity of 94.3% SiO 2, making it suitable as a refractory material. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of alpha-quartz as the dominant crystal phase, which is desirable for refractory applications. The FTIR analysis indicated the absence of hydroxyl (-OH) groups. This indicates a low risk of failure and damage such as spalling, cracking and other forms of damage when produced into bricks. The TGA and DTA displayed significant mass losses and large endothermic bands, which were connected to the dehydroxylation of the quartz rock samples. Based on the demonstrated qualities, the quartz rock sample could be subjected to thermal processing. This study therefore established that Ijero-Ekiti quartz is a suitable raw material for refractory applications due to its high purity, alpha-quartz dominant crystal phase, absence of hydroxyl groups, and uniform morphology.

Keywords

• quartz
• refractory materials
• industrial furnace
• thermal properties
• chemical composition