Abstract:
A method of producing a fired ceramic article comprises the steps of: (i) preparing a clay composition by adding a zeolite and preferably also a sodium compound to a clay and admixing the clay, the zeolite and (if used) the sodium compound to produce said composition; (ii) forming the composition produced in step (i) into a preform of a predetermined shape corresponding to that of the article; (iii) drying the preform; and (iv) firing the preform to produce the ceramic article. The method reduces the firing temperature required to produce the ceramic article and inclusion of the sodium compound provides the advantage of reducing, minimising or eliminating the amount of water required during the blending step (i.e. step (i)). The method also reduces fluoride emissions during the firing step (i.e. step (iv)).
Abstract:
A method of producing a fired ceramic article comprises the steps of: (i) preparing a clay composition by adding a zeolite and preferably also a sodium compound to a clay and admixing the clay, the zeolite and (if used) the sodium compound to produce said composition; (ii) forming the composition produced in step (i) into a preform of a predetermined shape corresponding to that of the article; (iii) drying the preform; and (iv) firing the preform to produce the ceramic article. The method reduces the firing temperature required to produce the ceramic article and inclusion of the sodium compound provides the advantage of reducing, minimising or eliminating the amount of water required during the blending step (i.e. step (i)). The method also reduces fluoride emissions during the firing step (i.e. step (iv)).