Today, as a toilet manufacturer, we will explain to you the preparation process of glaze slurry for ceramic industrial products, covering the basic concept, function, raw materials used, and glaze making process of glaze:
1. The basic concept and function of glaze
Glaze is a thin, glassy layer that is fused onto the surface of a ceramic product to enhance its appearance, provide protection and impart specific properties such as luster, color and texture. It’s usually a mixture of minerals and other ingredients that fuse together to create a smooth finish when fired at high temperatures. Glaze can be classified into transparent glaze, opacity glaze, matte glaze, glossy glaze and so on according to the appearance characteristics. The glaze used by the LORY ceramic factory is an opacity glaze, which is also a glossy glaze.
2.The role of glaze:
(1) It acts as a barrier between the porous ceramic body and the environment, making the ceramic more resistant to moisture, chemicals and abrasion.
(2) Cover the surface of the green body and act as a covering layer. It can also create various colors, textures and patterns to increase the aesthetic value and give people a sense of beauty.
(3) Prevent the green body from being stained, and it is easy to clean even if it is stained.
(4) It interacts with the body to make the glaze and the body a whole, increasing the mechanical properties, thermal properties, and electrical properties of ceramic products.
3.Raw Materials for Glaze Making:
The composition of glaze varies depending on the desired characteristics and the specific application. However, some common raw materials used in glaze making include:
Silica (SiO2): A primary component that acts as a glass-former.
Feldspar: Provides fluxing agents, which lower the melting point and promote the flow of the glaze during firing.
Clay: Enhances the adhesive properties of the glaze and contributes to its workability.
Metal Oxides: Added to produce desired colors. For example, iron oxide can create shades of brown, while copper oxide can produce green hues.
Opacifiers: Substances like tin oxide or zirconium oxide that make the glaze opaque rather than transparent.
Stabilizers and modifiers: Used to control the melting behavior, viscosity, and other properties of the glaze.
4.Glaze Making Process:
The process of preparing glaze involves the following steps:
a. Weighing: Accurate measurement of raw materials according to a predetermined recipe is crucial to maintain consistency in the glaze composition.
b. Mixing: The weighed materials are combined and mixed thoroughly to ensure homogeneity. This can be done by dry blending or wet mixing methods, depending on the specific glaze formulation.
c. Milling: The mixed raw materials are milled to achieve a fine particle size distribution. This step improves the glaze’s smoothness and enhances its application properties.
d. Sieving: The milled glaze slurry is passed through a sieve to remove any remaining larger particles, ensuring a consistent texture and eliminating potential defects.
e. Adjustments: The glaze slurry may require adjustments to its viscosity, density, or color. These adjustments are made by adding water, binders, deflocculants, or colorants, depending on the specific requirements.
f. Testing: Before application, the glaze is often tested for properties such as rheology, adhesion, and firing behavior to ensure it meets the desired standards.
Once prepared, the glaze slurry is applied to the ceramic body using various techniques like dipping, spraying, or brushing. The coated ceramic products are then fired in a kiln at high temperatures, typically between 1000 to 1300 degrees Celsius, where the glaze melts and fuses to the surface, creating the desired final appearance and properties.
In conclusion, glaze is a vitreous coating that plays a crucial role in ceramic industrial products. It provides protection, enhances aesthetics, and modifies the physical properties of ceramics. The preparation of glaze involves weighing and mixing raw materials, milling and sieving, making necessary adjustments, and finally applying the glaze to the ceramic products before firing. The glaze making process requires careful control and expertise to achieve the desired results in terms of appearance and functionality.
