MICROSTRUCTURE OF DENSE ZIRCON SAND - ALUMINA REFRACTORY BRICK FROM BAKIN RUWA ZIRCON SAND USING LINE BLENDING METHOD FOR FOUNDRY APPLICATION

Abstract

Microstructural analysis of dense Zircon Sand-Alumna refractory brick from Bakin ruwa, Toro Local Government Area, Bauchi state, Nigeria using line blend method was conducted with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A small specimen (typically 10–20 mm in size) is cut from the bulk brick using a diamond saw. Sampling locations should include: Surface region, core region and any visibly heterogeneous zones. Care must be taken to avoid introducing thermal or mechanical damage during cutting, as this may alter the microstructure. The results revealed that the sample of the produced bricks ZK1-ZK9 contain different microstructure observation such as Crystalline Structure, Grain Size Distribution, Porosity and Voids, Intergranular Bonding, Microcracking and Mineral Phase Distribution which is in consistent with various ASTM standards and Performance Implications that makes it suitable for high temperature industrial foundry applications. This shows that bricks from Bakin ruwa zircon sand is suitable for foundry application. It is recommended that both prospective entrepreneurs and government agencies invest in the development of indigenous refractory production. This initiative would serve as a sustainable local source for the refractory needs of foundry furnaces, conserve foreign exchange, generate employment for young people, and contribute significantly to national economic growth.