As well as kaolinite, ball clays typically contain other ‘contaminants’ that provide its unique characteristics. Layered mineral contaminants provide strength, whereas carbon contaminants can provide favourable rheological properties, well suited for sanitaryware production.
Sibelco’s
UK ball clays (known as
SANBLEND) are used primarily for sanitaryware, whilst our
Ukrainian clays are used mainly in porcelain tiles. Clays from our operations in Germany are used in ceramics, bricks and refractories.
Key characteristics of ball clay include:
- rheological stability
- unfired strength
- plasticity and workability
- contribution to vitrification
- light firing colour
