Effects of Rice Husk Ash Addition on the Refractory Properties of Owo Clay

This research investigates the effect of rice husk ash (RHA) addition on the refractory properties of Owo clay. The clay is blended with RHA in increments of 5 Percent for each experimental run. The blended material undergoes exposure to temperatures ranging from normal crucible liner conditions to 1200 Degree C, followed by characterization for shrinkage, porosity, density, water absorption, and modulus of rupture. Results indicate that total shrinkage increases with RHA content throughout the experimental phase but stability was observed at 10 Percent RHA. Porosity decreases with increasing RHA content, with the 10 Percent RHA blend showing the most consistent decrease. RHA enhances compressive strength, reaching a peak of 24 Newtons per square millimetre for 5 Percent RHA at 1200 Degree C, and a minimum of 10 Newtons per square millimetre for 5 Percent RHA at 900 Degree C. Bulk density increases with decreasing porosity as temperature rises. Overall, the 90 Percent 10 Percent Owo clay RHA Clay blend demonstrates the most suitable properties for industrial applications.