No tracking! No ads!
That's why this page loads quickly!
SignUp for Monthly Tech-Tip from Tony Hansen
Eutectic
In ceramics, this term refers to certain chemistries that melt at much-lower-than-expected temperatures.
Details
The lowest temperature at which a simple mix of oxides will melt and react to form a transparent glass. Mixtures of SiO2 and the alkalis and alkaline earth oxides are well studied in the area. The temperature at which melting occurs is often an anomaly, that is, it is much lower than the melting temperatures of similar mixtures. Lead-tin solder is an example. Lead melts at 327C, tin at 231C. The lowest melting combination is 67 lead, 33 tin (180C).
Generally, eutectics are a matter of academic study, reliance on them is not something designed into ceramic glazes. In fact, the opposite, non-eutectic mixtures, are the rule. Most frits behave in a non-eutectic way, having a melting (or softening) range. This softening phenomenon is beneficial, it is what makes melting glazes hang onto the ware over a wide range of temperature (many must be heated well past the softening range to get mobile melts).
An novel method of glaze chemistry is promoted by Bob Magnuson (see link below). He explains how, in eutectic mixtures, all species solidify simultaneously to a clear glass, whereas in non-eutectic ones, excess or uninvolved oxides precipitate and solidify out-of-step. He demonstrates how knowing about eutectics makes it possible to formulate more transparent glazes and addresses the concepts of "combining eutectics" to build better transparent glazes. But the most exciting concept is mathematically subtracting eutectics from the unity molecular formula of stoneware glazes to isolate their mechanisms, or unique characteristics.
Related Information
Links
| URLs |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutectic
Eutectic at Wikipedia |
|---|---|
| URLs |
https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramics-monthly/ceramic-glaze-recipes/glaze-chemistry/techno-file-using-eutectics/#
Using Eutectics article and calculation workship by Bob Magnuson |
| URLs |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVUuhjnjAoA
German potter Cornelius Breymann investigates limit formulas, eutectics On this Youtube video Cornelius will take you on a slow and deliberate journey. If you stick with him you will discover how, by industrious blending of feldspar, calcium carbonate and silica we can see what ratios of CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3 (and the materials sourcing them) produce a well-melted high temperature glaze. You will see how the process demonstrates where feldspar comes up short as a glaze by itself and what it needs to be one. And you will see the CaO:SiO2:Al2O3 eutectic demonstrated. |
| Typecodes |
Eutectic
These are theoretical mixtures of oxides, not real materials. Use these to learn about low melting chemistries. |
| Materials | Eutectics |
| Materials | Zinc and Cadmium Metasilicate Eutectic |
| Materials | Ca Fluoride & Ca Metasilicate Eutectic |
| Materials | Na & Ca Metasilicate Eutectic |
| Materials | Na & Ba Metasilicate Eutectic |
| Materials | Na & Sr Metasilicate Eutectic |
| Materials | Sodium Metasilicate Eutectic |
By Tony Hansen 
https://digitalfire.com, All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy