ABSTRACT
Production of Refractory Kiln-Shelves and Props Using Local _ Materials Master of Arts, Industrial Design 1991 33 Pages, 3 tables , 3 Figures, 7 Plates. The problems of this study is concerned with exploring into the method of making good kiln-shelves and props which could be more reliable and durable using local materials that are easily obtainable. Sabon-Gwaram kaolin from Bauchi State and Bomo secondary clay from Kaduna State were chosen. Pressing method which was adopted as the technique of production needed the use of press-moulds. Two press-moulds: frame-mould and pipe-mould were designed and constructed using iron pieces bought from Zaria market. The clays were collected, tested and processed. Grog was made from the primary clay. Following the result of the biaxial blend test for the grog and the clay conducted, and also following the literature review study, the proportions of the materials for the body-composition were determined. The proportions for the shelves were (1) 2 parts clay: 8 parts grog (2) 3 parts clay: 7 parts grog. The proportion of the grog sizes was coarse grog 5, medium size 1, fine grog 4. But for the prop it was medium size grog 5 and fine grog 5 parts, in the body composition of 3 part clay: 7 parts grog. The proportion of water was 30% of the dry material in all the cases-Measurement was by volume. A pressing-machine was initially used for the pressing. Due to the problem involved in getting access to the pressing machine, other methods of pressing were introduced, namely: