Performance of Dioscorea Rotundata Peel As An Environmental Waste Additive in Enhancing the Insulating Properties of A Local Clay Mineral

K. G. Akpomie¹, C. C. Ezeofor¹, O. L. Alum¹, U. A. Augustine² and F. N. Ibeanu³

¹Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

²Department of Chemistry, Federal University Lafia, Lafia, Nigeria.

³National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author E-mail: kovo.akpomie@unn.edu.ng

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2608

ABSTRACT: The effect of Dioscorea rotundata peel environmental waste as an insulating additive for local clay was studied. The potential of a low cost indigenous clay mineral obtained from Akpugu-Ezedike in Nigeria for industrial application was also evaluated. The clay was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Prepared slurry mixture of the clay and peels were shaped, dried and fired. The chemical composition of the clay was determined by classical methods. Physical properties such as linear shrinkage, total shrinkage, modulus of rupture, apparent density, bulk density, apparent porosity,s welling index and water absorption, modulus of plasticity and refractoriness of the fired samples were determined. The clay was found to have a refractoriness of 1200⁰C. SEM analysis revealed an increase in porosity of the fired clay bodies with increase in dosage of Dioscorea rotundata added. This result was corroborated by the high apparent porosity 49.67 – 60.02% and water absorption recorded 30.92 – 48.44% for the mixed fired samples. The result of this study clearly indicated the potential of Dioscorea rotundata peel as additive in enhancing insulating properties of fired clay as well as the usefulness of the local clay mineral for industrial purposes.

KEYWORDS: Akpugu-Ezedike Clay; Dioscorea Rotundata; Environmental Waste;Insulation Refractory;

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