CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) is an important water-soluble polymer material, which is widely used in the ceramic industry, especially in the preparation and application of ceramic glazes.
1. Improve the suspension properties of glazes
Ceramic glazes are a mixture of various solid particles and liquids. In the glaze formula, solid particles tend to settle due to gravity, resulting in glaze stratification or sinking to the bottom. CMC has good thickening properties and water solubility. It can increase the viscosity of the glaze, thereby improving the suspension stability of solid particles in the liquid. By using CMC, the glaze is not easy to stratify during storage and use, ensuring the uniformity and construction effect of the glaze.
2. Enhance the rheological properties of glazes
Glazes need to have suitable rheological properties during the coating process so that they can be evenly covered on the surface of the ceramic body. As an efficient rheological regulator, CMC can improve the fluidity and thixotropy of the glaze, making the glaze easier to operate when brushing, spraying or dipping. The addition of CMC can effectively reduce the sagging phenomenon of glaze during the coating process, and at the same time improve the adhesion of glaze, making the glaze layer smoother and smoother.
3. Improve the adhesion of glaze
During the glazing process of ceramic glaze, the glaze needs to be firmly attached to the surface of the body so as to form a stable glaze layer during the firing process. CMC has good bonding properties. It can form a uniform bonding interface between the body and the glaze, improve the adhesion strength of the glaze, and reduce the shedding phenomenon after glazing. This effect is particularly important for delicate glaze effects and quality control of the firing process.
4. Optimize drying performance
After glazing, the glaze needs to be dried quickly in order to enter the firing process. CMC can adjust the drying speed of the glaze so that it will not be too fast to cause cracking, nor too slow to affect production efficiency. The flexible film formed by CMC during the drying process can also effectively prevent cracks or particle peeling on the surface of the glaze layer.
5. Firing aid and defect reduction
CMC will be decomposed by high temperature during the firing process, leaving a small amount of carbide, which has a certain auxiliary effect on the density and surface quality of the glaze. By reasonably controlling the amount of CMC, the defects such as bubbles, pinholes or glaze shrinkage on the glaze can be reduced, ensuring that the glaze is smooth and transparent, presenting an ideal decorative effect.
6. Environmental protection and sustainability
CMC is derived from natural plant fibers, has good biodegradability and low toxicity, and has advantages in environmental protection and safety. The use of CMC in ceramic glazes can not only reduce pollution to the environment, but also reduce dependence on organic solvents and other chemical additives in the production process, thereby achieving a greener production method.
7. Dosage and precautions
The amount of CMC needs to be determined according to the specific formula and performance requirements of the glaze. Generally, the amount added is between 0.1% and 0.5% of the total weight of the glaze. Excessive use of CMC may cause the glaze to be too viscous, affecting the construction effect, and may also produce too much organic residue during the firing process, affecting the quality of the glaze. Therefore, in practical applications, the dosage of CMC needs to be adjusted through experiments to achieve the best effect. In addition, CMC needs to be fully dissolved and mixed evenly when used to avoid performance problems caused by excessive local concentration.
CMC plays a role in improving suspension performance, enhancing adhesion, optimizing rheological properties, and improving glaze quality in ceramic glazes. It is one of the indispensable additives in modern ceramic production. Through the reasonable use of CMC, the quality and production efficiency of ceramic products can be effectively improved, providing support for the sustainable development of the ceramic industry.
Post time: Dec-25-2024