In recent times, science has contributed enormously to the world of ceramics and what was formally understood vaguely by rule of thumb methods has been clarified by modern research. In most cases, the difficulties in Sanitaryware making are due to the large number of variables involved. We need to get the ceramic process under some measure of control – i.e an understanding of the principles which govern the behaviour of the raw materials.
We need to know why the clay shrinks, why some clay shrinks more than others, why wares sometimes crack during cooling in the kiln, etc.
Clay is one of the few materials which has no value of its own but which can be made into valuable objects. Any piece of ceramic ware, no matter how crude it is seems to share in the glory of a craft which has succeeded in filling profound human needs – both practical and spiritual.
….to be contd
