When I use China clay for making things, it is good, but when it is dry, after some time, they end up broken. Can anyone tell me that what can I do to prevent my works from breaking during the drying process?
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2There are many reasons why clay breaks at drying. Can you give more details of what you did in making your things and how you had them while drying?– WillekeCommented Oct 26, 2018 at 8:14
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Could you share a few details on what you are making or potentially some photos of the broken pieces or pieces that survived. This would give a better idea of what is causing the problem. (For example, are you making bowls or figurines? Are they hand-built or thrown on the wheel. Do they have small, delicate parts or very thick areas?)– A. StaffelbachCommented Jan 10, 2019 at 18:31
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2 Answers
China clay is or kaolin is not structurally strong enough just on its own and needs to be mixed with other materials to form a more robust material that will survive the pre-firing drying period. Assuming this is happening pre-kiln. When you say " when it is dry after some time they end up broken" it sounds like you may not be firing them soon enough or not at all, which is required for them to remain solid. Otherwise they will return to the dust that they came from.
It could be that your clay is not plastic enough. Meaning the elasticity of the clay. Once way to improve the elasticity is to age the clay with mold fungus. You can do this by adding beer or milk to the clay, mix it in and let it sit covered over a period of time. Fungus has microscopic fibers that help bind the clay and water molecules together.
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2It can also be that the items are too thick on one side and too thin on an other, drying is at too high a temp, clay has not been mixed well or many other reasons.– WillekeCommented Nov 5, 2018 at 9:13