Table of Contents
Ceramics & Stoneware
These materials are made from a base of sand and clay and are extremely porous unless a glaze or seal is applied to the outer surface during or after manufacture. They are used for sanitary fitting, tableware, and kitchenware. Floor as well as Wall Tiles.
Manufacture:
- Different proportions and types of clay are mixed with other ingredients
- Shape the article
- The clay is then fired at a high temperature to make it hard
- Glazing is done and article fired for a second time
Following are the types found:
- Earthenware is a thick, heavy & very porous material that is usually glazed. Mugs, bowls, vases, ashtray, etc are examples. Earthenware chips and breaks easily. It may be glazed or vitrified.
- Glazed earthenware contains a large amount of fine white clay called ball clay. This makes it thick and opaque.
- Vitrified earthenware/ Vitreous China it is fired at high temperatures. It contains more flint/ quartz which makes it very strong but not very heavy. Some may be high chip-resistant, used as crockery and sanitary ware.
- Terracotta made from fine clay baked and mostly left unglazed. It is brownish-red in color. Used for pottery, ashtray, vases, and ornamental building materials.
- Stoneware this has higher stone content. It is fired at higher temperatures than earthenware giving stronger material. It is an oven & flameproof.
- Porcelain this is translucent, containing china clay, china stone/feldspar. It is extremely hard and strong as well as expensive. Used for cups, saucers, etc.
- Bone china contains bone ash and less feldspar. It is fired at very high temperatures making it very thin and strong. Designs are applied to the outer surface and so care should be taken to wash them. It is used to make fine cups, saucers, and other types of crockery.
Cleaning & Storing:
- Care should be taken to avoid chipping, scratching, etc.
- Extremes of temperature should be avoided
- Harsh abrasive not to be used
- A hot neutral synthetic detergent solution should be used following by rinsing and drying
- Stains of tea and coffee can be removed by rubbing with a damp cloth and bicarbonate of soda.
Cleaning of ceramic tiles:
- Daily cleaning – wash with general-purpose cleaner and dry
- Periodic cleaning – Scrub with a mild abrasive cleaner, rinse and dry.