Case Study - Silica in Ceramics

Silica sand is a structural ingredient of clay bodies and a major constituent of ceramic glazes. Markets include sanitaryware, tableware, wall/floor tiles and electrical porcelain. Crystalline silica is one of the main components in the production of refractory bricks, ladle linings and fluxes.

Silicate ceramics are based on quartz plus clay together with feldspar/nepheline syenite and other additives such as talc, calcium carbonate, bone ash etc. The silica sand increases viscosity and provides dimensional stability and strength. Silica content varies between the different types of ceramic product but can be as high as 40% in sanitaryware applications.