Vol. 6 No. 1 (2023): The Reality of Women in Science

• Malu, S. P.
  Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
  




• Donatus, R. B.
  Department of Chemistry, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
  




• Andrew, C
  Department of Chemistry, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
  




• Ugye, J. T.
  Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
  

Burnt brick dominates walling construction across Taraba State, yet no published study has systematically characterized bricks made from the region’s own clay deposits. This study fills that gap by testing bricks from three geologically distinct sites: Wukari, Donga, and Takum Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Taraba State, Nigeria. Standard 230 × 110 × 76 mm units were moulded and fired at temperatures between 800 °C and 1050 °C. Physical and mechanical tests carried out include compressive strength, water absorption, initial rate of absorption, linear shrinkage, apparent density, porosity, and efflorescence. Chemical composition was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and mineral phases by X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement. At 1000 °C, the Wukari sample achieved the highest compressive strength (14.8 N/mm²) and the lowest water absorption (8.42 %). XRF confirmed SiO₂ above 50 % at all sites; Al2O3 ranged from 17.3 % to 21.5 %. XRD identified mullite formation above 950 °C in the Wukari and Donga samples, directly explaining their superior mechanical performance. All three sources satisfied Nigerian Industrial Standard NIS 74:2000 and BS EN 771-1:2011 requirements, providing a verified performance baseline for local brick producers and construction engineers.

Keywords: Burnt Brick Characterization, Firing Temperature, Compressive Strength, Clay Mineralogy