Ball clay is a rare mineral found in very handful location. It is specifically of greater value to the ceramic manufacturing industry as it is the base material. It is also used in sanitary ware. The main characteristics of ball clay are its high elasticity, low shrinkage and plastic size distribution.
Physical properties of ball clay
- Good plasticity
- Remarkable workability
- Exemplary strength
- Stability in Rheological
- Controlled residue
- Refractoriness
How is Ball Clay a Crucial Component in Ceramics?
Ball clay when combined with different materials shows different properties. Imerys ball clay when combined with kaolin provides the essential cohesion and workability for ceramic parts creation such as sanitaryware. Ball clay when used with kaolin, feldspar, and quartz in tableware, confers high plasticity and a good white fired colour to the end product. Ball clays are priced for their plasticity and binding properties in wall and floor tiers. They also ensure a perfect finish in glaze engobes. Imerys ball clays and chamottes with a high alumina content are used as binders for refractory applications in brick production and sometimes as additives to improve plasticity during refractory installation.