Influence of Mixing Time on the Hardness and Structure of Local Clay-Based Crucibles
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26877/asset.v8i1.2314Keywords:
crucible, local clay, kaolin, mixing time, binder, refractory material, Vickers hardnessAbstract
Although clay crucibles are frequently utilized in regional industries, their inadequate mechanical strength often causes durability issues. This study investigates the influence of mixing duration on the Vickers hardness and macrostructure of crucibles composed of local clay, kaolin, and molasses. The composition was made up of 47.5% clay, 47.5% kaolin, and 5% molasses as a binder, with 15% water added relative to the total weight. Durations of 15, 30, and 45 minutes were evaluated to determine their impact on material qualities. The findings indicated a positive relationship between mixing duration and hardness. At 15 minutes, the mean hardness was 4.1 HV, which escalated to 8.5 HV at 30 minutes and 12.4 HV at 45 minutes. The increased hardness with extended mixing durations indicates a more homogeneous particle dispersion and enhanced bonding among the raw ingredients. The findings suggest that increasing the mixing time can elevate the quality and longevity of locally manufactured crucibles, rendering them more appropriate for small-scale metallurgical applications.
References
[1] Deng A, Fang Q, Geng Q, Hong H, Zhao L, Liu C, et al. Clay mineralogical and geochemical responses to weathering of intrusive vs. extrusive rocks under a subtropical climate. Applied Clay Science 2025;264:1–12. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2024.107644.
[2] Amar A, Kali A, Loulidi I, Cho Y, Sadoq M, Hadey C, et al. Unveiling the potency of Silica-Alumina-rich clay in phenol remediation and its repurposing prospects. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 2023;154:1–13. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2023.110983.
[3] Damato A, Vianello F, Novelli E, Balzan S, Gianesella M, Giaretta E, et al. Comprehensive Review on the Interactions of Clay Minerals With Animal Physiology and Production. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2022;9:1–21. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.889612.
[4] Kagonbé BP, Tsozué D, Nzeukou AN, Ngos S. Mineralogical, physico-chemical and ceramic properties of clay materials from Sekandé and Gashiga (North, Cameroon) and their suitability in earthenware production. Heliyon 2021;7:1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07608.
[5] Kipsanai JJ, Namango SS, Muumbo AM. A Study of Selected Kenyan Anthill Clays for Production of Refractory Materials. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications 2017;7:169.
[6] Przylucki R, Golak S, Bulinski P, Smolka J, Palacz M, Siwiec G, et al. Analysis of the impact of modification of cold crucible design on the efficiency of the cold crucible induction furnace. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 2018;355. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/355/1/012009.
[7] Habiby MNA, Rusiyanto, Widodo RD, Sumbodo W. Effect of Green Body Heating Rate on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Crucible Materials Made from Evaporation Boats Waste. REM (Rekayasa Energi Manufaktur) Jurnal 2022;7:19–26. https://doi.org/10.21070/r.e.m.v7i1.1639.
[8] Biswas B, Islam MdR, Deb AK, Greenaway A, Warr LN, Naidu R. Understanding Iron Impurities in Australian Kaolin and Their Effect on Acid and Heat Activation Processes of Clay. ACS Omega 2023;8:5533–44. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c06795.
[9] Al-Ameri OB, Alzuhairi M, Bailón-García E, Carrasco-Marín F, Amaro-Gahete J. Transforming Petrochemical Processes: Cutting-Edge Advances in Kaolin Catalyst Fabrication. Applied Sciences 2024;14:1–51. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199080.
[10] Wu Q, Liu J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Lv L, Zhou H. Experimental investigation on ash deposition characteristics of Zhundong coal in a 200 kW one-dimensional furnace: Synergistic effects of temperature and Kaolin blending. Journal of the Energy Institute 2025;122:102219. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joei.2025.102219.
[11] Muhaba AM. Multi-objective optimization and performance evaluation of rotary furnace refractory linings using locally sourced materials. Advances in Mechanical Engineering 2025;17:1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/16878132251346230.
[12] Abd WF, Salman MM, Sadeq SH. The influence of replacement high alumina cement partially by white kaolin on the properties of refractory concrete that made from different types of aggregate. AIP Conference Proceedings 2024;3229:30013. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0236500.
[13] Awad ME, López-Galindo A, Setti M, El-Rahmany MM, Iborra CV. Kaolinite in pharmaceutics and biomedicine. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2017;533:34–48. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.09.056.
[14] Rusiyanto R, Widodo RD, Prasetyo AY, Fitriyana DF, Bahatmaka A, Sudiyono S, et al. The Influence of Molasses Concentration on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Evaporation Boat Waste-Based Crucibles. International Journal of Integrated Engineering 2024;16:45–63. https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2024.16.01.005.
[15] Widodo RD, Rusiyanto R, Athoillah A, Setiadi R, Bahatmaka A, Darsono FB, et al. Investigating the Effect of Molasses Concentrations on the Characterization of Evaporation Boat Waste for Crucible Materials Candidate. ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences 2023;18:1354–64. https://doi.org/10.59018/0623173.
[16] Marianni B, Polonini H, Oliveira MAL. Ensuring Homogeneity in Powder Mixtures for Pharmaceuticals and Dietary Supplements: Evaluation of a 3-Axis Mixing Equipment. Pharmaceutics 2021;13:1–9. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13040563.
[17] Fládr J, Bílý P. Influence of mixing procedure on mechanical properties of high-performance concrete. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 2017;246:012012. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/246/1/012012.
[18] Zeyad AM, Almalki A. Influence of mixing time and superplasticizer dosage on self-consolidating concrete properties. Journal of Materials Research and Technology 2020;9:6101–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.04.013.
[19] Ismail R, Fitriyana DF, Dzaky M, Athallah A, Wisda F, Priwintoko B, et al. Investigation of the Effect of Nozzle Temperature in Fused Deposition Modelling on the Mechanical Properties and Degradation Behaviour of 3D-Printed PLA / PCL / HA Biocomposite Filaments. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Mechanics 2025;1:83–96. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.37934/aram.135.1.8396.
[20] Nugraha FW, Ismail R, Bayuseno AP, Fitriyana DF, Ariyanto M, Mubarak MH, et al. Influence of Preheat Temperature Variation on Single Screw Extrusion for Characterizing PLA , PCL , and HA Biocomposite Filaments. E3S Web of Conferences 2024;06007:1–17. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202457606007.
[21] Manalu J, Numberi JJ, Safanpo A, Fitriyana DF, Wijaya TL, Siregar JP, et al. Characterization of eco-friendly composites for automotive applications prepared by the compression molding method. Polymer Composites 2024;45:8104–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28327.
[22] Irawan AP, Fitriyana DF, Siregar JP, Cionita T, Anggarina PT, Utama DW, et al. Influence of Varying Concentrations of Epoxy, Rice Husk, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 on the Properties of Brake Friction Materials Prepared Using Hand Layup Method. Polymers 2023;15:1–19. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122597.
[23] Irawan AP, Fitriyana DF, Tezara C, Siregar JP, Laksmidewi D, Baskara GD, et al. Overview of the Important Factors Influencing the Performance of Eco-Friendly Brake Pads. Polymers 2022;14:1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061180.
[24] Speth M, Riedmueller KR, Liewald M. Study on mixing behaviour of aluminium-ceramic powder having high SiC volume fractions up to 50 vol.%. Functional Composite Materials 2023;4:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42252-023-00045-z.
[25] Rusiyanto, Ismail R, Bayuseno AP, Fitriyana DF, Sumbodo W, Siregar JP. Investigation the Effects of Firing Temperature on Preparation of Crucible Materials from Evaporation Boat Waste. Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences 2025;127:201–2012. https://doi.org/10.37934/arfmts.127.1.201212.
[26] Liu S, Fall M. The significance of mixing time in the development of the engineering properties of cemented fiber-reinforced tailings materials. Journal of Building Engineering 2024;96:1–22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110648.
[27] Ruegenberg F, Schidlowski M, Bader T, Diekamp A. Assessing the influence of the mixing method on porosity and durability of NHL-based renders based on key parameters. Construction and Building Materials 2021;276:1–18. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.122197.
[28] Imran AI, Siregar JP, Cionita T, Fajar D. Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Composite Reinforced with Wood Dust and Crumb Rubber Waste. Advance Sustainable Science, Engineering and Technology 2025;7:0250408-01–8. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26877/kkjzs792.
[29] Kalatharan SN, Imran AI, Irawan AP, Siregar JP, Cionita T, Fitriyana DF, et al. Mechanical Performance of Alkali-Treated Rattan Strips with Epoxy Coating for Sustainable Composite Applications. Advance Sustainable Science Engineering and Technology 2025;7:02503018-01–9. https://doi.org/10.26877/fm53nd79.
