Glaze Chemistry

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. knowledge about clay bodies’ physical and mechanical properties in their natural and fired states; 2. understand the preparation and blending of ceramic bodies, including raw materials; 3. characterization of raw materials, measurement of properties; 4. green body preparation, drying & firing, including glass.

The course focuses on glaze technologies. These include understanding the physical and chemical properties of materials such as Feldspar, Quartz, Kaolin, Whiting, Salt and Lead glazes. The oxides and their functions in glazes. Other materials from antimony oxide to zirconium oxide in glaze development. Glaze by recipe and formula. Low and high-temperature glazes. Local materials for glaze production. Glaze defects and remedies. Conditions before and during glaze application and glazing techniques. Glass blowing continues from simple forms to larger forms. Production of figurines, vases, trophies, bowls and the likes. Finishing of pieces and presentation. Ring.