Using Ferric Chloride as an Economic Alternative to Get Effects Similar to Metallic Luster for Ceramic

Conclusion of the research:

Metallic luster has been always concerned with by the potters over the ages . However , they face difficulties to get it due to the high price of the raw materials needed for its formulation, such as gold , silver , platinum and bismuth, and the toxicity of some of them, as well as the ban of sale of these materials in some countries due to being hazardous materials. In addition , these materials require burning methods in special reduction conditions.

So , it was necessary to search for economic alternatives to get metallic luster in ceramic industry .

Through the previous experiments of the researcher in the area of Raku burning and the reduction by using horse hair and feather , the researcher noted that when some particles of ferric chloride are sprinkled under specific temperature and in special burning conditions, they give a flash on the surface of some parts.

Therefore, the researcher focused on researching in the possibility of using the ferric chloride to get metallic luster as an economic alternative.

The practical framework included the following:

Conducting a set of practical experiments on the possibility of using ferric chloride as an economic alternative in ceramic industry, in accordance with a set of the following variables:

1. The impact of the difference in temperature, at which reduction is done

2. The impact of the difference in the method of chloride application

3. The impact of the difference in the concentration of the ferric chloride solution

4. The impact of the difference in the color of the pottery object.

5. The impact of the difference in the status of the glass coating, in terms of transparency and opaqueness, and being glossy or opaque.

6. The impact of the difference in the color of the glass coating, in terms of color.

7. The impact of continuing in reduction by using horse hair or feathers or stabilizing and keeping the effect once salts are applied.