Author(s) :

SALIHI, A., ABDULLAHI, U..

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Characterization and physical observation of cattle horns from Kano Abattoir was carried out with a view to determining their possible applications. Elemental analysis tests, tensile and bending tests were carried on prepared samples. The elemental (chemical) analysis tests were conducted using MiniPal X-ray Spectrometer at the National Geosciences Laboratory of the National Geological Research Centre, Barnawa, Kaduna, Nigeria, where the different constituents were identified. The bending and tensile behaviour of the cattle horns were also tested using a Universal Testing Machine at the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria. The results showed that Kano cattle horns contain Sulphur (51.1% - 81.90%), Molybdenum (23.0% - 32.0%), Calcium (2.5% - 8.32%), Zinc (1.20% - 2.40%), Potassium (0.4% - 1.5%), Copper (0.24% - 0.34%), Rhenium (1.70% - 3.20%), Indium (0.30% - 1.00%), Selenium (0 - 2.70%), Silicon (0 - 0.33%), and Aluminium (0.40% - 0.78%) and could therefore be used in the manufacture of artificial teeth due to the high percentage of Calcium and Molybdenum which add to hardness and toughness. They can also be used in agriculture due to the high percentage of Molybdenum. The presence of copper and Zinc made it possible for use in deep drawing, spinning, and tube manufacture as the addition of zinc to copper brings about an increase in strength and high ductility.

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