Abstract

Five different clay samples were collected from different locations within Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria were mixed with 5% to 35% silica sand, which were later subjected to a compressive force to bind the mixture to produce ceramic tiles. The tiles were dried and heat treated using an electric furnace at a temperature of 1100°C for four (4) hours to produce unglazed ceramic tiles. The produced tiles are later glazed using water glass and further heated to a temperature of 1200°C for another four (4) hours to produce glazed ceramic tiles. The tiles produced were subjected to stress-strain analysis to determine their mechanical properties (compressive strength, and breaking load) and physical properties (water absorption, % shrinkage and % warpage). The results of the analysis for samples (A, B, C, and D) gave compressive strength (59.06%, 75.20%, 69.80%, and 52%) breaking load (420KN, 400KN, 410KN, and 320KN) % water absorption (8.10%, 12.10%, 10.20%, and 14.20%), % total shrinkage (6.27%,4.64%, 4.21%, and 3.51%), % warpage (0.48%, 0.21%, 0.43% and 0.02%) respectively. The results of the analysis produced were found to be within the allowable limit recommended by the American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM).

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