DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH ENERGY AND FUEL ECONOMY CERAMIC INSULATED BIOMASS MULTI COOKING SYSTEM

Abstract

The analysis of Inyi clay and its utilization in the production of an improved cook-stove is significant to the existence of mankind and his community. This study was carried out to analyse the mixture of clay, cassava peel and grog and its utilization in the production of an improved cook-stove. The clay deposits were collected from Inyi Local Government, Enugu State. Different ratios of the mixture was used in the following percentage proportions by weight of clay to cassava peel to grog: A (40:40:20), B (40:30:30), C (40:20:40), D (40:10:50) at firing temperatures 900oC and 1000oC. The physical analysis (apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, dry-fired shrinkage, total shrinkage, bulk density, water absorption and percentage making moisture) was carried out using rectangular shape test piece to ascertain the feasibility in the lightweight stove production, the strength and the durability of products. The chemical analysis (xrd and xrf) was carried out using x-ray diffractometer and x-ray fluorescence in order to determine their crystallographic parameters and elemental composition respectively. The morphological analysis (SEM) was carried out using the scanning electrode microscope to obtain the resolutions and magnifications. The addition of cassava peel and grog was found to have great effect on the insulating properties (shrinkage, bulk density, apparent porosity and water absorption) of the clay. Chemical analysis revealed SiO2 (45.26%) and Al2O3 (35.19%) as major constituent. The result of this study showed that cassava peel was suitable in enhancing the insulating properties of Inyi clay and can be utilized to induce insulation in clay minerals when desired.