Bentolite and Laponite additives have long been used in ceramic and refractory applications to control key plasticity, strength and rheological properties in both bodies and glazes. Our low iron containing Bentolite additives are used to provide plasticity and green strength in fine whiteware bodies where ball clay cannot be used due to its increased levels of iron and titania which would brown upon firing. Key whiteware body applications over the years have been in the critical and aesthetic porcelain and bone china applications where low iron additives are critical. Bentolite additives have also found a home in the plastic refractory area, where the low iron content of the additives is critical to extending the shelf-life of the refractory plastic. Laponite additives have been shown to provide unsurpassed plasticity and green strength to ceramic bodies due to its nano-scale size and large surface area. Laponite additives are also completely free of iron making them the ideal choice for fine whiteware body applications.

In ceramic glaze applications, Laponite additives have been shown to exhibit excellent rheological and suspension properties when used in combination with carboxymethylcellulose. In glaze formulations, the Laponite particles and cellulosic polymers form a network with a high yield value that provides excellent suspension of glaze component solids upon storage. The network which is formed in glazes is also very shear thinning which lends itself nicely to improving application properties.

Benefits of using Laponite additives in ceramic glazes are:

• Improved suspension
  
• Improved sprayability
  
• Reduced dripping and sagging
  
• Improved loading
  
• Reduced glaze defects