Thesis Abstract

Alkali Vershima “The development of ceramics prototype
gas stove using locally available resources. The entire thesis
is made up of 57 pages, six tables, eight figures, five
pictures, seventeen references.
The problem of this study is to develop a prototype
ceramics gas stove using locally available materials. Ceramic
objects are made of brittle materials and since a slight
pressure can fracture them, this is generally considered a
serious drawback when one considers using them to solve a
structural problem. Various studies aimed at improving this
property are continuing. This study is aimed at utilizing
these materials, improving their strength and using them to
solve the problem of this study.
The study also aims at producing a prototype ceramics gas
stove that will ease the difficulty encountered by cooks
through the use of fire wood and kerosine. It will also
encourage small scale production of gas stove devoid of the
use of massive machineries as is the case with steel.
There is a mass migration of people from rural to urban
areas due to widespread unemployment , unequal social benefits
and opportunities. The most outstanding need is to develop
technologies and projects that will promote autonomous economy
and social development and rely on local skills and resources
rather than foreign imports. This will help compliment large
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scale industrial projects to create employment opportunities.
Based on this, there is an increasing call by the government
for an indigenous technology that is at least 50% self
dependent. “Therefore do it yourself ” and sustain the
dynamic needs of the society has largely become the canon of
the day. Now, with emphasis being placed on made in Nigeria
goods, due to soaring cost of foreign exchange, this research
aims at providing a significant solution to these problems and
serving as an answer or response to calls that help solve
economic and technological problem of the nation.
It is assumed that the need for this project is
indispensable and that there are enough resources and
technologies that can sustain its production.
In attempting to solve the problem of the study, the
researcher employed methods which included seeking alternative
materials to steel, testing them to ascertain their strength,
functional capacity and economic viability. All studio test
and experiments were successful, Based on these experiments,
the following findings were made
That effective and accurate combination of Silica,
Kaolin, Alumina, Fire clay in correct percentages yielded the
desired body for the construction of gas frames. And that
Silica, Alumina Bone ash, Fire clay and fine grog in correct
proportions proved positive in the construction of burner tip
for gas burning.
Findings also showed that the gas stove frame is free
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from corrosion and rust commonly associated with steel. And
that it is rigid, compact and strong enough to withstand
impact weight and heat from gas burning. The choice of aerated
burner design and the materials for its construction showed
that blue and luminous flame cannot only be achieved with
steel materials.
Considering the significance and indispensability of
ceramics in our day to day use as well as in national
development and academics. One hopes that the study will not
only contribute to the body of knowledge in industrial sector
of ceramics but will serve as useful tool on the house hold
chores and also ease the problem encountered by cooks in the
use of fire wood and kerosine.

Thesis Overview