Degreaser
Degreaser is a non-plastic corrective additive, both organic and inorganic, which is added to clay for the purpose of preventing excessive plasticity. By incorporating degreasers into the clay mixture, the strength in the raw state is improved, thus facilitating the handling and shaping of the clay. In addition, these additives allow the ceramic pieces to better withstand temperature changes during firing, reducing the risk of breakage or cracking. Another key benefit of degreasers is improved shrinkage as the clay dries, which contributes to greater dimensional stability of the final pieces.
Degreasers are common substances such as quartz, plagioclase, potassium feldspar, granitic rocks, sand, grog, among others. Organic degreasers, in particular, have the ability to leave voids when firing the piece, creating molecular spaces that allow the clay particles to adjust, which contributes to greater flexibility and resistance during the firing process.Interesting Fact
In traditional ceramics, the use of degreasers has been fundamental to the creation of large, complex pieces that require greater structural stability. For example, in large-format ceramics used in ancient architectural structures, the inclusion of degreasers allowed artisans to manufacture robust elements that could withstand thermal and mechanical stresses without compromising their integrity.Helpful Tip
When incorporating degreasers into the clay mix, it is important to balance the amount used to avoid excessive reduction in plasticity that could make modeling difficult. Experiment with different types and proportions of degreasers in small amounts of clay to find the combination that best suits your specific needs.