Clays and Raw Materials

Kaolin: A primary clay used in the production of ceramics. It provides whiteness and plasticity to the clay body.

Ball Clay: Adds plasticity, strength, and workability to the clay mixture.

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Fluxing Agents

Feldspar: Used as a flux to lower the melting temperature of the raw materials and promote vitrification.

Talc: Acts as a flux and contributes to glaze formulation.

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Binder and Plasticizers

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA): A common binder used in ceramic formulations.

Deflocculants: Such as sodium silicate, are used to disperse particles in the clay mixture.

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Colouring Agents

Metal Oxides: Various metal oxides like iron oxide, cobalt oxide, and manganese oxide are used to impart colour to ceramics.

Stains and Pigments: These are used to achieve specific colours in the glazes.

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Additives and Modifiers

Zirconium Compounds: Often added for opacification in glazes.   – **Lithium

Compounds: Used in some specialty ceramics.

Boron Compounds: Such as borax, are used as fluxing agents.

Binders and Deflocculants

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC): Used as a binder in ceramic bodies.

Sodium Silicate: Acts as a deflocculant to improve the rheological properties of the ceramic slurry.

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Firing Aids

Kiln Wash: A mixture of alumina and kaolin applied to kiln shelves to prevent glaze from sticking.

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Glaze Materials

Silica, Alumina, and Fluxes: Used in various combinations to formulate glazes with specific properties.

Zirconium Silicate: Used as an opacifier in glazes.

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Refractory Materials

Silicon Carbide, Mullite, Alumina: Used in the production of refractory ceramics for kiln furniture and lining.