mineralogical and physicochemical characterization of enugu iva-pottery silica-rich deposit for ceramics applications

The exploration of indigenous raw materials that are pure and simple to process for ceramics is a scalable option for locally-made ceramics products. this study involves the characterization of unexplored silica-rich sand deposits at iva-pottery, enugu north local government area in enugu state nigeria for their ceramic industrial potential. the physicochemical properties of iva-pottery silica-rich sand were determined. the crystalline phase components and elemental compositions of the oxide were investigated with an x-ray diffractometer and an x-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer respectively. the silica was used in ceramics composition as a filler and glaze formulation as glass former.  the results obtained showed mainly a siliceous crystalline phase with a minor amorphous phase and contains 74.55% sio2, 13.02% al2o3, and 0.55% fe. the grain size in the raw form is in the range of 0.18 mm to 0.075 mm (100 mesh to + 200 mesh range) without involving ceramic raw materials processing equipment such as a ball mill as well as a high percentage of alumina (13.02) contents as compared to conventional silica with alumina 0.02% to 0.5% range. the high alumina that forms mullite at sintering temperature brings about a low thermal coefficient and hence, suitable chemical stability and resistance to thermal shock.  these rare qualities make the iva-pottery silica-rich sand an emergent material suitable for glaze formulation and filler in ceramic bodies. thus, it is recommended that the iva-pottery silica-rich sand deposits in their raw form be exploited for the formulation of varied glaze temperature ranges and also for the refractory industry. iva-pottery silica-rich deposits in their raw form, do not meet the requirements of high tech- ceramics applications.