Ball clay uses
Ball clays are fine-grained, highly plastic clays used in manufacturing ceramic whiteware and sanitaryware. They usually contain three minerals - kaolinite (20-80%), mica (10-25%) and quartz (6-65%). Ball clays have the unique properties of extra plasticity, enhanced unfired strength and exhibit light color on firing. Selected ball clays can even give pure white end products making their applications widespread. It is often referred to as plastic clay.
Ball clay exhibit the following physical properties, which is why ball clay uses in a variety of applications in the ceramic industry:
Raw ball clay exhibits a wide range of firing colors, and given its high strength and plastic nature, it is combined with other minerals for various ceramic applications:
Ball clays provide suitable cohesion properties in combination with other clays and are easy to work upon to create ceramic parts such as sanitaryware.
Ball clays’ plasticity and bonding properties are utlized by mixing them with talc, feldspar, silica and other materials to create the wall and floor tiles.
Ball clays can resist extremely high temperatures and are used to create refractory products like kiln insulation and furniture.
Along with high temperatures, ball clays are electrical resistant and are used in porcelain components that provide insulation from high voltage currents.
