IN-SITU DETERMINATION OF SURFACE POROSITY IN REFRACTORY BRICKS

Abstract

This research work is aimed at determining surface porosity of refractory bricks of different mix composition using the Digital image analysis software. To achieve this the production of refractory test bricks of different mix composition considering variables as the grain size, binder and fillers in coarse and fine forms was carried out. The materials used for this research include silica sand obtained from Igbokoda beach in ondo state, binder (bentonite) from market in Akure, woodchips and wood powder.300g of sand with binder of 10, 20, and 30 (WT.% ) of the sand while fillers were added in 5, 10, and 20 (WT.%) of sand and binder. Different mix ratio of the constituent was thoroughly mixed and moulded using the mounting press. The samples were dried for two days at room temperature fired to 10000C for 4hrs and cooled in the furnace with digital temperature read out. The digital image analysis software was used in generating data for the area of each visible pores present on the surface of the test bricks and their images was obtained using high resolution digital camera. The area of each pore size was obtained by the software, the diameters and total areas of pores for each sample was equally obtained; the overall porosity was obtained from the ratio of total area of pores to total surface area of sample and distinction was established between fine and coarse fillers. Observation shows that the software was able to give detailed data on the area of the pores and that virtually all the test piece shows that corresponding amount of fillers accounts for the porosity of the each sample, i.e. the higher the fillers size content the higher porosity either way applies to lower filler content and the effect of binder was clearly observed. This research work has been able to analyze and establish the digital image analysis software as non-destructive techniques in determining porosity with advantages such as minima time, accessibility and stress free (fatigue) over the immersion process