Description
Description
Imerys mines and processes ball clays with a range of different properties. By blending selected clays from different locations, Imerys can provide high quality products for a range of ceramic applications.
Ball clay, or ‘plastic clay’ as it is also known, is an extremely rare mineral, only found at a handful of locations around the world. It is a kaolinitic clay that commonly consists of 20–80% kaolinite, 10–25% mica, 6–65% quartz as well as organic matter.
Ball clay is formed from the weathering and transportation by water of parent rocks which are deposited in ancient river basins from where it is extracted
Applications
- Ball clays are prized for the production of traditional ceramics such as sanitaryware, tableware, wall and floor tiles as well as for technical ceramics and electrical porcelains.
- Combined with kaolin, ball clays provide the cohesion and workability necessary for the creation of ceramic parts such as sanitaryware.
- Used with kaolin, feldspar and quartz in tableware and whiteware, ball clay confers high plasticity and a good white-fired color to the end product.
- In wall and floor tiles, ball clays are prized for their plasticity and bonding properties.
- In glazes and engobes they ensure a perfect finish
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Key Properties Imerys ball clays for ceramics are characterized by their:
- High plasticity
- High unfired strength
- Highly controlled rheological properties
- Controlled organic content
- Controlled residue
- Excellent workability
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