Typology and characterization of ball clay deposits and development of whiteware ceramic bodies

• Grant number: 05/02567-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• Start date: November 01, 2005
• End date: October 31, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: José Francisco Marciano Motta
• Grantee: Ana Cristina Alexandre Cruz
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas S/A (IPT). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 03/13762-4 - Typology and characterization of ball clay deposits and development of whiteware ceramic bodies, AP.R

Abstract

The present project "Typology and characterization of ball clay deposits in Brazil and development of whiteware ceramic bodies" (Fapesp contract 03/13.762-4) deals with research and development of ball clay as mineral resource, from the ore deposits up to the ceramic body preparation, including mineral economics, mineral exploration and exploitation, clay typology, field works, sampling, mineral, chemical and characterization and ceramic experiments in laboratory. The requested fellowship will be involved in some of the initial steps of project but the main purpose of her job is to attend to ceramic lab needs, such as sample preparation, rheologic test developing, burning operations, physical tests and measurements, clay body formulations and other ceramic experiments. The detailed activities will include: - sample preparation for mineralogical, physical and ceramic characterization; - ceramic body formulation and testing; - rheological performance tests of clay & ceramic bodies; - physical tests and measurements; - slip cast preparation, experiments and measurements; - clay activation and ceramic body ageing; and- data organization. All of these activities will be advisored by the supervisor and IPT lab team.