Celestite concentrate is a specific grade of celestine (SrSO4) that possesses unique properties, such as high amounts of strontium and lower water levels. Due to its particular features, this grade
Strontium silicate is a chemical compound with the formula SrSiO3. It is a white, powdery substance that is insoluble in water and finds use in a variety of industrial and
Strontium carbonate (SrCO3) is the carbonate salt of strontium that appears as a white or grey powder. It can be found in nature as the minerals celestine and strontianite. Strontium
Ceramic making, a centuries-old art form, involves the transformation of raw clay into functional and artistic pieces through a meticulous process. Central to this craft is the essential step of glazing, which not only enhances the visual appeal of ceramics but also contributes significantly to their durability and functionality. Glazing entails the application of a liquid mixture onto the surface of the ceramic object, creating a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish. Within this context, ceramic glazing additives, commonly known as ceramics, emerge as indispensable elements. These additives play a critical role in the glazing process, influencing key properties of the glaze, such as texture, color, and surface finish. The judicious use of ceramic glazing additives not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures the longevity and functionality of the crafted ceramics, making them both artistic and practical creations.
Before going through the details of the ceramic industry and the significance of ceramic glazing additives, it is crucial to highlight JAM Group Co., a reputable manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of ceramic glazing additives, commonly known as ceramics. JAM Group takes pride in its meticulous quality control units, ensuring the precision and excellence of the final products. The company excels not only in production but also prioritizes the safe transportation of its products by offering them in standard packaging, guaranteeing their integrity during transit. JAM Group Co. serves as a reliable source for various types and grades of ceramic materials. This diverse range enables businesses across different industries to place their confidence in JAM Group for all their ceramic product needs, assured of the intended purity.
Prior to discussing ceramic coating additives, one should have a look at ceramics, their importance in modern life, and their manufacturing stages. Ceramics have been instrumental in human development, evolving from simple clay-based items to a diverse array of products. The journey began with the earliest civilizations molding clay into practical and decorative items like pots and figurines. These early examples, often combined with materials such as silica, were hardened through firing, a process that has remained a cornerstone in ceramic production. Over time, the scope of ceramics broadened remarkably. Today, they are not limited to traditional pottery but include a vast range of items like earthenware, porcelain, and bricks, each serving distinct purposes in daily life and industrial applications.
The advancement in ceramic technology has led to the development of high-performance ceramics, characterized by their exceptional strength and durability. Unlike their traditional counterparts, these advanced ceramics are derived from a variety of inorganic, non-metallic materials, offering enhanced properties like high heat resistance and reduced corrosion. This expansion in capabilities has opened doors to innovative uses in fields such as advanced engineering and semiconductors. Ceramics, in their modern form, are no longer just artifacts of cultural significance but have become integral to technological progress, finding their place in everything from household fixtures to sophisticated industrial components. Below, we discussed the properties of ceramics in two distinct categories.
The mechanical characteristics of ceramics encompass distinctive features. Ceramics exhibit notable strengths in compression, making them resistant to crushing forces, and they possess high hardness, contributing to their durability. However, their structure tends to be rigid with minimal yielding, resulting in poor impact strength and brittle nature. The presence of microcracks can lead to localized stress concentrations, making ceramics susceptible to brittle fractures. Additionally, ceramics showcase a high softening temperature, maintaining their hardness and strength even under elevated temperatures. Despite these advantages, ceramics often lack thermal shock resistance, making them prone to fractures when subjected to rapid temperature changes.
Ceramics, in comparison to many engineering materials, exhibit remarkable chemical stability. They inherently resist chemical reactions and corrosion, making them durable in the face of various environmental challenges. Generally inert, ceramics do not engage in reactions with acids or bases. However, it’s crucial to note that the chemical properties of ceramics can vary based on their specific composition and type. While some ceramics remain highly resistant to corrosion under various conditions, others may be susceptible to degradation. Additionally, certain ceramics display unique chemical characteristics, such as the capacity to conduct electricity or act as catalysts. In summary, ceramics are predominantly resistant to chemical attacks by gasses, liquids, and high-temperature melts, and they maintain a general inertness, making them reliable in diverse applications.
In the following, you can read more about the two major categories of ceramics: traditional and advanced ceramics.
Traditional ceramics are crafted from naturally occurring materials such as quartz sand and various clay minerals. These materials are foundational in producing everyday items like clay tiles, bricks, and china tableware, as well as in specialized applications like refractory linings and industrial abrasives. The nature and composition of the clay or sand used dictate the texture and structure of these ceramics, leading to variations in quality and appearance. Characterized by a more straightforward manufacturing process, traditional ceramics typically involve wet molding techniques and high-temperature sintering. This process, rooted in ancient practices, remains largely unchanged, reflecting the historical significance and enduring utility of traditional ceramics in our daily lives.
Compared to the previous category, advanced ceramics represent a leap forward in technology and application. These are made from high-purity, inorganic compounds, often synthetic, including materials like aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. Unlike traditional ceramics, the microstructure of advanced ceramics is meticulously engineered, resulting in uniformity and minimal imperfections. This precise control extends to the manufacturing process, which may involve complex post-sintering treatments and specialized machining to meet exact specifications. Advanced ceramics excel in various industrial applications due to their exceptional properties, such as insulation, magnetism, and conduction. They play a crucial role in manufacturing specialized parts for industries that demand precise mechanical and physical properties. Advanced ceramics may include:
The process of making ceramics can vary significantly based on various factors, such as whether the production is for industrial or home manufacturing, the use of modern or traditional methods, and the aim to create traditional or modern ceramics. The following description provides a general overview of the common steps involved in ceramics making.
The journey of creating ceramics starts with selecting the right type of clay, a decision that fundamentally influences the quality of the finished product. Various types of clay, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, are chosen based on the desired properties and end-use of the ceramic piece. Once the appropriate clay is selected, it undergoes a process called wedging. This step is vital; it involves kneading the clay to ensure even consistency and eliminate any air pockets. Air trapped within the clay can lead to defects or damage during the firing process. Following this, artisans shape the clay into the desired form. This shaping can take many forms, from wheel-throwing to hand-building techniques like coiling and slab construction, each lending a unique character to the ceramic piece.
After the shaping phase, the ceramic items must dry out slowly. This gradual drying is critical to prevent cracking, allowing water within the clay to evaporate and the clay particles to compact. The next stage is bisque firing, where the dried ceramics are placed in a kiln and fired at specific temperatures. This process hardens the clay, increasing its durability. Post bisque firing, the ceramics are glazed, a step that involves applying a glass-like coating to add color, texture, and sheen. This glazed pottery is then subjected to a second firing, known as glaze firing, where temperatures reach about 2200°F. This high temperature melts the glaze onto the ceramic, creating a smooth, glassy finish. The final step involves cooling and meticulous inspection of the ceramics for any flaws, ensuring that each piece meets quality standards before being deemed ready for use or sale.
Ceramic materials play a pivotal role in the art and science of ceramic making, offering unique properties that set them apart. As such, it is vital to have a look at them. These inorganic substances, encompassing oxides, nitrides, and carbides, demonstrate exceptional resilience against chemical erosion, making them ideal for applications in acidic or caustic environments. Known for their brittleness, hardness, and strength in compression, ceramics also exhibit remarkable tolerance to high temperatures, ranging from 1,000 °C to 1,600 °C (1,800 °F to 3,000 °F). The crystallinity of ceramics, whether vitrified or semi-vitrified, influences their thermal and electrical insulation capabilities.
While encompassing a vast range of compositions, structures, and bonding types, ceramics boast general properties such as high melting temperature, hardness, chemical resistance, and low ductility. Modern applications in various industries, including medical, electrical, and armor, highlight the indispensability of advanced ceramics like silicon carbide and tungsten carbide, valued for their abrasion resistance in challenging environments.
Understanding the significance of ceramic materials in ceramic making requires a closer look at their processing techniques. Highly oriented crystalline ceramics present challenges in processing, leading to methods such as forming powders into desired shapes and subsequent sintering. Techniques like slip casting, tape casting, and injection molding contribute to shaping ceramics, with applications ranging from thin capacitors to wear plates in mining equipment. While some experts exclude glass from the ceramic category due to its amorphous nature, heat treatments can transform it into a semi-crystalline material known as glass ceramic. The spectrum of traditional and modern ceramic raw materials, from clay minerals like kaolinite to advanced ceramics such as alumina, underlines the versatility and adaptability of ceramic materials in meeting diverse industrial needs.
Ceramic glazing, a pivotal stage in the ceramic-making process, involves applying a glassy coating to ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. This process serves multiple functions, including enhancing the item’s aesthetic appeal, rendering it impermeable to liquids, and minimizing pollutant adherence. For earthenware, glazing seals its inherent porosity, making it water-impermeable and providing a more resilient surface. Glazes contribute to the versatility of ceramics by offering a range of surface finishes, from glossy to matte, and diverse colors. Beyond decoration, glazes play a crucial role in functional ceramics, such as tiles, architectural terracotta, and sanitaryware. Traditional glazes, named after their main ceramic fluxing agents, include ash glaze, feldspathic glazes of porcelain, lead glazes, salt glaze, and tin glaze. Each type brings unique characteristics and has historical significance, with lead glazes, for instance, having a rich history in Chinese ceramics and European majolica.
The application of glaze involves various methods, such as spraying, dipping, trailing, or brushing, using an aqueous suspension of the unfired glaze. The color transformation of the glaze after firing adds an element of unpredictability to the final product. To prevent glazed wares from sticking to kiln furniture during firing, strategic parts may be left unglazed, or specialized refractory “spurs” are used as supports. Modern materials technology has introduced innovative glazes that may deviate from traditional categories. This evolution in glazing techniques reflects the intersection of tradition and innovation in the fascinating world of ceramic making.
When discussing the effectiveness of glazes, another crucial topic is the ceramic glazing additives. In ceramic glazing, the significance of glaze additives cannot be overstated. These additives act as the hidden gems that transform ordinary glazes into exceptional ones. It’s not uncommon for a glaze to excel in one application method but fall short in others. For instance, a glaze might exhibit excellent performance when dipped or poured, only to present challenges when applied with a brush, drying so rapidly that the brush adheres to the pottery surface. Conversely, commercial glazes may offer ease of brushing but pose difficulties due to a consistency that proves too thick for pouring or dipping applications. This is where glazing additives come into play, acting as the magic touch to address such nuances and optimize the performance of glazes across various application methods.
The role of glazing additives becomes particularly evident when navigating the intricacies of different application techniques. It’s the fine-tuning of glaze formulations with these additives that bridges the gap between application challenges and desired outcomes. Whether it’s adjusting the viscosity for smoother brushing, enhancing adhesion properties, or optimizing drying times, glazing additives offer a tailored solution for potters seeking versatility and consistency in their ceramic glazing endeavors. In essence, these additives empower ceramic artists to overcome the limitations of standard glazes, opening up a world of possibilities in the pursuit of artistic expression and functional excellence.
JAM Group Co. stands as a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of ceramic glazing additives, commonly known as ceramics. With manufacturing units strategically located worldwide, including facilities in Poland and the Middle East, the company has established itself as a global powerhouse in the ceramic industry. JAM Group takes pride in its meticulous quality control units, ensuring the precision and excellence of the final products. The company not only excels in production but also prioritizes the safe transportation of its products by offering them in standard packaging, guaranteeing their integrity during transit.
In addition to its prominent role in ceramic glazing additives, JAM Group Co. is a reliable source for various types and grades of ceramic materials. This diverse range enables businesses across different industries to put their trust in JAM Group for all their ceramic product needs, assured of the intended purity. The company goes the extra mile in facilitating the global distribution of its products by employing various transportation and shipping options. This comprehensive approach cements JAM Group Co.’s position as a robust manufacturer, supplier, and exporter in the realm of ceramic glazing additives and ceramic materials, providing unparalleled service to its customers worldwide. By clicking on About Us, you can read more about JAM Group Co, its products, and the company’s outstanding services.
You can also find additional insights into JAM Group Co.’s ceramic glazing additives as you continue reading.
Strontium Carbonate, a prominent ceramic glazing additive offered by JAM Group Co., is a fine white or gray powder resembling the natural mineral strontianite. It is a weak base and reacts with acids, yet remains stable and safe to handle. While practically insoluble in water, its solubility increases in carbon dioxide-saturated water. In the ceramic glaze industry, strontium carbonate serves as a flux, enhancing scratch- and craze-resistant surfaces. Used to replace barium carbonate, it’s comparable to calcium and is suggested as a barium alternative for matte glazes. However, caution is advised due to its reactivity with water’s SO4– ions, limiting its use as a barium substitute in clay bodies.
The decomposition of strontium carbonate produces gasses that, if not managed properly, can cause pinholes or blisters in glazes. To address this, strontium frits are recommended as alternatives, contributing to fusibility, clarity, and defect reduction in glazes. Some pottery glazes with high strontium carbonate percentages require more SrO than a frit can provide, leading to special-purpose formulations. Understanding its low solubility, which significantly increases with temperature and the presence of CO2, is crucial in glaze slurries, affecting flocculation or deflocculation potential.
Strontium Silicate, also known as strontium metasilicate, is a valuable ceramic glazing additive offered by JAM Group Co., featuring the chemical formula SrSiO3. This white, crystalline solid boasts insolubility in water and a high melting point of approximately 1850°C, making it a sought-after material for high-temperature applications. Unlike strontium carbonate, strontium silicate doesn’t contain carbon in its formula, which contributes to minimizing issues such as pinholes or blisters in ceramic glazes. JAM Group Co. provides this product in various grades and levels of purity, offering flexibility for different ceramic and glazing needs.
Strontium silicate stands out for two crucial reasons when compared to strontium carbonate in ceramics and glaze making. Firstly, the absence of carbon in its formula distinguishes it from carbonates, contributing to the reduction of pinholes or blisters. Secondly, the presence of a silicon atom in strontium silicate enhances its capabilities in ceramic and glaze production. JAM Group Co. ensures the availability of different grades and purities, catering to the diverse requirements of customers in the ceramic industry.
Strontium sulfate (SrSO4) is the sulfate salt of strontium, presenting as a white crystalline powder and naturally occurring as the mineral celestine. Its limited solubility in water, approximately 1 part in 8,800, increases in dilute acids and alkali chloride solutions. Recognized as a polymeric material isostructural with barium sulfate, it serves as a key constituent in the skeletons of Acantharea, a group of radiolarian protozoa. Strontium sulfate plays a vital role in ceramic glazing, functioning as a matting agent to reduce gloss, thereby contributing to the surface texture and appearance of glazed ceramics. Moreover, its concentration in the glaze formulation influences the firing characteristics at different temperatures during the firing process.
JAM Group Co., a prominent manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of ceramic glazing additives, offers strontium sulfate in various grades and purities to meet diverse industry needs. The company provides this product with different concentrations to cater to specific glazing requirements. With a commitment to quality, JAM Group Co. ensures that its strontium sulfate adheres to industry standards, providing reliable and effective solutions for ceramic manufacturing. The availability of different grades and purities allows customers to choose the most suitable option for their applications, making JAM Group Co. a trusted source for strontium sulfate in the ceramic industry.
Dispersing agents, also known as dispersants, play a crucial role in ceramic-making and glazing processes. These substances, often surfactants, are added to suspensions of solid or liquid particles in a liquid to enhance particle separation and prevent settling or clumping.
Dispersing agents contribute to particle dispersion by breaking down agglomerates of ceramic particles, ensuring a uniform distribution for improved homogeneity in the final ceramic product. Additionally, they enhance the workability of ceramic suspensions, facilitating easier handling and processing during shaping processes like casting or molding. Dispersants enable the reduction of water content in ceramic suspensions without sacrificing workability, a key factor in achieving desired ceramic properties during the drying and firing stages.
Dispersing agents specifically prevent the settling of heavier particles in glaze slurries, leading to consistent application on ceramic surfaces. They also contribute to controlled rheology, influencing viscosity and thixotropy, essential for proper adhesion and maintaining the desired thickness of the glaze. The use of dispersing agents minimizes defects, such as pinholes or blisters, resulting in a smooth and even glazed surface, enhancing the overall quality of the final ceramic product.
JAM Group Co. is regarded as a reliable dispersing agents supplier in various grades and with different levels of purity. This commitment to diversity allows ceramic manufacturers to choose the optimal formulation based on their specific needs and application requirements. The company’s dispersing agents are designed to provide maximum density at optimum rheological properties without sedimentation, aligning with the varied demands of glazes and engobes. JAM Group Co. emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions, ensuring that their dispersing agents contribute effectively to achieving uniform coatings and desired aesthetic outcomes. With a focus on quality and customization, JAM Group Co. positions itself as a valuable partner for ceramic producers seeking reliable and efficient dispersing agents to enhance their glazing processes.
Copyright © 2022 Jam Group Company. All rights reserved.