Ceramic flux

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A ceramic flux functions by promoting glass formation in clay bodies and glazes. Fluxes are used in glazes to lower the melting point of silica, they counteract the naturally high melting point of silica. The most commonly used fluxes in a ceramic glaze are lead, boric, soda, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, barium, zinc, and strontium. These are introduced to the raw glaze as compounds, for example lead as lead bisilicate.

In clay bodies a flux creates a limited and controlled amount of glass, which works to cement crystalline components together. Fluxes play a key role in the vitrification of clay bodies by reducing the overall melting point, which allows for a more efficient kiln firing. The most common fluxes used in clay bodies are feldspars. The two most common feldspars in the ceramic industry are potash feldspar (orthoclase) and soda feldspar (albite).

Epplar, Richard A., Obster, Mimi. Understanding Glazes American Ceramic Society. Westerville, Ohio. 2005.

Daly, Greg. Glazes and Glazing Techniques:A Glaze Journey Gentle Breeze Publishing. Kenthurst, Australia. 1995.

Dinsdale, Allen. Pottery Science: Materials, Processes and Products. Ellis Horwood Limited. Chichester. 1986