EXPLORATION OF CLAY FROM ANKPA NIGERIA, FOR THE PRODUCTION OF EARTHENWARE AND STONEWARE CERAMICS

EXPLORATION OF CLAY FROM ANKPA NIGERIA, FOR THE PRODUCTION OF EARTHENWARE AND STONEWARE CERAMICS

ABSTRACT

This study explored the workability of clay from Ankpa Kogi State of Nigeria for the production of earthenware and stoneware ceramics. This research investigated a manageable area around Ankpa with clay deposits that are locally put to use by local potters, but yet to be used in contemporary ceramic. This study started with preliminary investigation in order to get information on the clay deposit from the people of the area and was followed by field trip to clay deposit areas where clay samples were obtained. There are many clay deposits in and around Ankpa only three samples from Ankpa 1, Ankpa 2 and Odagbo were collected using the random sampling method. Physical and chemical analysis was carried out on the clay samples from the three deposits for their physical and chemical properties. The ceramics wares were produced using the methords of throwing, casting and hand-building. Sample wares produced were dried in the room atmosphere in the ceramics section of the Department of Industrial Design A.B.U Zaria. The wares were successfully fired up to glaze temperature of about 1260⁰C using kerosene kiln in the ceramics section. The following finding were made, Ankpa 1 and Ankpa 2 clay samples are fire clay due to their non plastic nature. The tabular and dense nature of the Ankpa 1 and Ankpa 2 clay samples will not allow it to slake except the grain size is reduced. Odagbo clay sample is a secondary clay due to it plastic nature and high iron content. X ray diffraction analysis of Ankpa 1 and Ankpa 2 shows that they are brownish pink fireclay. The results of these analyses encouraged the utilization of the samples in the experimental production of earthenware and stoneware pieces. Clay body formulated from the clay samples was successfully used in the production of wares.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY.

Clay is a term that refers to a number of earthy materials that are composed of minerals rich in alumina, silica and water. Clay is not a single mineral, but a number of minerals; it is abundant in many places of the world. Clay is formed as a result of weathering of several kinds of rocks in a process that took thousands and millions of years as a result of the actions of environmental agents such as wind, rain, glacier, and freezing. In addition to the weathering process, clay deposits may be formed in a place as residual deposits in soil, however thick deposits usually are formed as a result of secondary sedimentary deposition process after they have been eroded and transported from their original location of formation.

According to Rhodes (1971) there are several types of clays. Clay is an important part of the earthy materials which make up the surface of the planet. It is the end product of weathering of feldspathic rocks. As mountains and hills are worn away by the action of water, the fine ground debris, resulting from the action of water, is finally laid down quietly in still estuaries or deltas, and separated out as it settles in the water to various particle sizes.

This type of clay deposit is common in formal glacial lakes. When glacial lakes are formed, there is very little movement of water that makes the lake, this water contained eroded soils which Settle on the lake bed. This allows such an even distribution on the….

EXPLORATION OF CLAY FROM ANKPA NIGERIA, FOR THE PRODUCTION OF EARTHENWARE AND STONEWARE CERAMICS