The operating temperature is an important parameter that ceramic producers must take into account in order to avoid application problems that can also negatively affect the quality of the finished product.

However, this parameter is not always easy to manage, especially if we consider the fluctuations promoted by seasonability.

The episode addresses the topic with the help of specific examples, highlighting the main scenarios and the different levers on which one can act to better manage the anomalies that may occur along the production lines.

Most ceramic production processes involve the dispersion of ceramic powders in a liquid medium - mostly water - to obtain a suspension or, more generally, a dispersed system.

To provde the suspensions with the desired stability and workability, depending on the different applications, we use the addition of small quantities of suitable chemicals that, interacting with the solid particles, change the rheological behaviour of the whole system.

The episode offers a picture of two categories of chemical - deflocculants and binders - almost always involved in order to achieve the right result and therefore the correct application performance.

All analysis of ceramic suspensions carried out by those companies that supply chemicals for ceramic production are fundamental to properly develop the processes that take place along the production line.

The episode provides an overview about the role of these important investigations, with a focus on the data and on the operations of the involved tools.

We will talk about jars, pycnometers, laser granulometers, sieves, rheometers, pointing out how all these tools are important in providing ceramic producers with the correct information to proceed without problems or unexpected critical issues.

After addresing the impact that seasonality can have on the the fluidization of ceramic mixtures and on bacterial proliferation within semi-finished products, this second part of the episode 41 tries to show and explain the consequences that temperature changes may produce on the drying time of ceramic suspension, leading to alterations that often force producers to revise the parameters of the glazing line.

After offering the usual suggestions to handle the problem, the episode ends with a focus on the solubility of surfactants that can be also susceptible to seasonal and temperature changes.

In ceramics, the use of chemicals plays a fundamental role in providing the final product with high technical and aesthetic results and in promoting a proper application process.

However, their actions can be sometimes less effective or compromised. 

There are several reasons for this performance change and seasonality is surely one of the most interesting.

Through a series of examples, the episode addresses the actions that should be taken to prevent the temperature to negatively affecting both processes and products.

Glaze and grit suspensions are made up of a liquid part (usually made-up of water and one or more rheological chemicals) and a dispersed solid part.

However, these two different suspensions show a lot of differences that may lead to very contrasting results, also implying a different approach about chemicals, both during the grinding phase and along the glazing line.

From this point of view, all chemicals involved must be marked by specific features according their intened use. What do we need to know about the subject?

Cratering phenomena are defects that appear as microscopic craters on the surface of ceramic bodies on which an aqueous (and still drying) suspension has been discharged.

It is an application problem that leads to a misalignment of the suspension due to the presence of one or more dips.

The problem, that is already visible along the glazing line and not only after the firing process, may arise for several reasons: for example due to the presence of impurity within the ceramic raw materials or because of an improper use of defoamers.

The episode try to offer a list of the most important causes, pointing out the mechanisms behind the problem, also providing some suggestions to prevent and/or eliminate it.

CMC are organic compounds, water-soluble polymers derived from cellulose, widely used in several fields of industrial production. In ceramics, sodium CMCs perform multiple functions within suspensions and solutions and can be marked by very different properties depending on the situation.

What is the main role of this substance in the ceramic production process, and what needs to be done to properly manage it?

The plasticity values of ceramic mixtures is a very important issue, since it affects the values and features of the mix and therefore the proper development of the ceramic production process.

In general, the use of clays marked by high plasticity values is usually synonymous with easier process management.

However, high-performing clays are not always available and it is therefore important to keep in mind other production parameters, finding a balance or even good compromises.

After a short definition of this amazing physical property, the episode offers a general overview on the issue.

Not only in relation to tiles production.

In ceramics, digital technology (use of digital glues and digital inks) has definitely riform the sector, making the production process much more flexible and expanding creative and aesthetic possibilities.
The extraordinary precision with which the ink is discharged on the ceramic support, in fact, has opend to new extraordinary results.

However, the topic "printing definition" must be addressed with great attention, being subjected to several variables that can affect the final product.

What are these variables? What mechanisms are behind them and what can be done to not compromise a good resolution?