Fusion Frit FZ-915

Description: Bismuth frit

Oxide	Analysis	Formula
SiO2	22.00%	2.86
B2O3	15.50%	1.74
Na2O	4.00%	0.50
K2O	2.50%	0.21
ZnO	3.00%	0.29
Bi2O3	53.00%	0.89
Oxide Weight		781.80
Formula Weight		781.80

Notes

This is the only bismuth frit that we know of that is available to potters in North America. Their data sheet gives an approximate analysis of 2-6% K₂O, 1-4% Na₂O, 2-4% ZnO, 15-20% B₂O₃, 17-22% SiO₂, 50-60% Bi2O₃. This was not reconcilable with a data sheet that we had, so numbers from that sheet have been pulled just inside their published boundaries. It is not completely clear whether the chemistry is variable because of production issues or the numbers are getting muddled in trade secret initiatives.

This frit is practical only for very specialized uses. The reason is this costs $30/lb (in 2020). That is $1500 per 50/lb bag and $60,000 for the minimum order of 2000 lbs.

Related Information

Fusion Bismuth Frit FZ -915 fired to cone 6

The pure frit powder was simply melted in this tile.

Links

URLs	https://johnbrittpottery.com/shop/experiments-in-manganese-gold-and-iridescent-glazes-in-electric-oxidation-cones-6-12/ John Britt's work with a bismuth frit
Typecodes	Frit A frit is the powdered form a man-made glass. Frits are premelted, then ground to a glass. They have tightly controlled chemistries, they are available for glazes of all types.
Oxides	Bi2O3 - Bismuth Oxide
Materials	Bismuth Subnitrate
Materials	Bismuth Oxide Bismuth is a very strong flux that enables glass melts lower than any other, even lead. However its price limits its utility to highly specialized products.

By Tony Hansen
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