DEVELOPMENT OF ZIRCONIA-BASED OPAQUE GLAZES USING RAW MATERIALS FROM KOGI STATE

Abstract

Ceramic glaze is an impervious layer or coating of a vitreous substance which has been fused to a ceramic body through firing. Glaze is “a thin, glass like coating that is fused to a clay surface by the heat of the kiln. My thesis is a documentation of my research with zirconia-based opaque glazes using raw materials from kogi state. Zirconia is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium, which helps to reduce melting point of a glaze, it is use to stabilize colours and for opacification converting a transparent glaze to a opaque. It also enhances resistance to abrasion and chemical attack. Specifics of the type of raw materials used, how it was prepared, where it was collected, and glaze formulas are discussed. Contemporary potter’s who have strongly influenced me through their use of opaque glaze are referred to also. The type of clay, firing methods, and application are also briefly mentioned. My goal is to present the variety of surfaces using a small collection of glaze material and zirconia-based, The purpose of the study is to source for some selected raw materials, process them for experimental analyses and subject them to ceramic production such that the research outcome can assist government, investor, private individuals and potters to know the potentials inherent in the mineral deposits in North Central Nigeria for the production of different categories of ceramics productions in the country. The aim of the study is to develop various zirconia-based opaque glazes from established transparent recipes with the view to broadening the base of locally available and viable glazes for cottage and industrial use. The specific objectives are to: source for major glaze constituents from selected locations to compose transparent glazes; process sourced glaze material for transparent glaze formulation; opacify formulated transparent glazes with zirconia for ceramic ware production using line blend technique; and Test-fire the developed recipes to determine their physical properties/qualities and also produce ceramic tablewares with opaque glazes developed. Based on the result of the investigation carried out in the course of this study, the following conclusions were drawn, The development of zirconia –based opaque Glazes for table ware Decorations can be utilized in the composition of body glaze used for the manufacture of table wares by adding it to serve as a glass former and as a flux. This means that it should be possible to obtain quality tableware product in the country, The zirconia can be used as a product with higher added value with respect to environmental and economic issues. It is therefore an attractive alternative source of ceramic raw materials.