Fire clay

From Free net encyclopedia

Fire clay is a specific kind of clay used in the manufacture of ceramics. The fire attribution is given for its refractory characteristics.

It is resistant to high temperatures, has a fusion point higher than 1,600°C), and therefore it is suitable for lining furnaces (as fire brick), and manufacture of utensils used in the metalworking industries, such as crucibles, saggers, retorts, and glass pots. Its chemical composition consists of a high percentage of silicon and aluminium oxides, and a low percentage of the oxides of sodium, potassium, iron, and calcium.

There are two types of fire clay: flint clay and plastic fire clay.