Property | Description |
---|---|
Composition |
Predominantly composed of kaolinite with minor impurities |
Color | Typically white to cream, but can range to pink or gray |
Texture | Fine-grained, smooth texture |
Plasticity | High plasticity, making it easy to shape and mold |
Firing Temperature | Low to medium firing range |
Shrinkage | High shrinkage during drying and firing |
Porosity | Low porosity after firing |
Water Absorption | Absorbs water readily, making it ideal for slip-casting |
Particle Size | Fine particle size distribution |
Cation Exchange Capacity | Relatively low CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) |
Chemical Stability | Chemically inert, stable in most glazes and clays |
These general properties of ball clay make it a valuable material in the ceramics industry due to its plasticity and ability to enhance the workability of clay bodies, as well as its role in producing high-quality porcelain and ceramic glazes. Additionally, its fine particle size and low porosity make it suitable for a range of other industrial applications.