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Ball Clay: A Vital Ingredient in Ceramic Excellence
Ball clay is a highly plastic, fine-grained clay, known for its exceptional workability, strength, and vitrification properties. Composed mainly of kaolinite, mica, and quartz, ball clay is a critical raw material in the production of ceramics, where precision and consistency are essential.
Composition and Characteristics
Primary components: Kaolinite (20–80%), mica, quartz
Color: Usually light gray to buff in raw form; fires to a cream or off-white tone
Grain size: Very fine particles (<2 microns)
Plasticity: High, allowing easy molding and shaping
Drying shrinkage: Moderate to high—needs careful drying control
Firing behavior: Vitrifies at lower temperatures compared to other clays
These physical traits make ball clay an ideal material to impart plasticity and strength to unfired ceramic bodies, while also contributing to fired whiteness and density.
Major Applications
Ceramics and SanitarywareBall clay is a staple in the production of tiles, bathroom fixtures, tableware, and porcelain, where it improves molding characteristics, drying strength, and final surface quality.