Notice the water just sits there in a little lake. It does not soak in because the bentonite gels in contact with the water and that gel acts as a non-permeable barrier. This water-barrier property of bentonite is a key to its use in many products. When ceramic bodies and glazes contain bentonite, they dry more slowly. In industrial settings, this can slow down production. But in studio settings, slower drying can enable more time to work with the material and more opportunities to intervene to make sure drying is happening evenly throughout.
| Minerals |
Montmorillonite, Bentonite
A clay mineral of extremely small particle size and high plasticity. Raw bentonite is generally a pa |
| Glossary |
Permeability
In ceramics, the permeability of clay slurries and plastics determines the rate as which water can move through the matrix |
| Materials |
Bentonite
Bentonite can make a clay body instantly plastic, only 2-3% can have a big effect. It also suspends slurries so they don't settle out and slows down drying. |
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