| Abstract: | The objective of this research is to improve the casting properties of Rockstone clay of Guyana in order to make it suitable for sanitaryware production. The clay is kaolinitic, has low plasticity, low modulus of rupture and is void of organic matter. Blending the clay with different amounts of peat can increase its plasticity and modulus of rupture by over 100%. Improved casting, draining, fettling and trimming properties are achieved with no fired color degradation. There is a slight increase in the fired shrinkage. With the addition of peat to Rockstone clay, sanitaryware products are successfully casted and fired on a laboratory scale. |
