ACTIVITY # 8: DRYING AND FIRING SHRINKAGE TESTS

This test determines the linear shrinkage of clays both fired and unfired.

Materials:

Vernier caliper

Drying oven

Electric furnace

Clay extruder

String (# 1)

Procedure abstract:

1. Prepare a plastic mass by kneading a mixture of 100% 100-mesh clay and water.
2. Allow the plastic mass to pass through the clay extruder.
3. Make 20 pieces of 10 x 3 x 1 cm rectangular test bars with the aid of a string.
4. Make shrinkage reference marks on the test pieces using the Vernier caliper.
5. Dry the test piece at room atmospheric condition for 24 hours, then further dry in the
oven at 110 oC for 4 hours.
6. Measure the distance between shrinkage reference marks, then calculate the linear
drying shrinkage, as follows:

(1 )
= 100
1

where Sd is the % linear drying shrinkage, L1 the initial length, and Ld is the dry length of
test pieces.
7. Fire the test pieces in the furnace at 800 oC.
8. Measure the distance between reference marks and calculate the total linear shrinkage
as follows:

(1 )
= 100
1

where Sf is the % Linear drying shrinkage, L1 initial length, and Lf is the dry length of test
pieces.
I. Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Objectives of the Study

1.3 Significance of the Study

1.4 Limitations of the Study

II. Review of Related Literature

The Nature of Clays

Drying

III. Methodology

(Draw a schematic diagram of the process flow)

2.1 The Pre-experimental Procedure

(Discuss how the starting materials are procured and prepared)

2.2 Main Experiment

(Discuss the experiment proper and the experimental set-up)

2.3 Post Experiment

(Discuss how the results are analyzed and the statistical methodology employed.)

IV. Results and Discussion

V. Conclusion and Recommendations

VI. References