CERAMIC MATERIALS

CERAMIC MATERIALS

1. GENERAL PROPERTIES

   • Ceramic materials are made from clay, which is very abundant in nature.
   • There are many colours, depending on the impurities that a particular clay contains.

2. HOW CERAMICS MATERIALS ARE MADE

   • Preparation: The clay is cleaned to eliminate plant material, such as roots and leaves.
   • Mixing: The clay is mixed with water, colouring, temper and flux.
   • Shaping: The clay is shaped into its final form.
   • Drying: The clay is dried to eliminate water.
   • Firing: This is done in special ovens called kilns at temperatures between 700ºC and 1700ºC
   • Decoration: After objects have been fired, they can be decorated and finished with different types of glaze.

3. CLASSIFICATION OF CERAMIC MATERIALS

   • Terracotta
   • Earthenware
   • Refractory ceramics

4. Fine ceramics

   • Stoneware
   • Porcelain