CERAMICS
Natural and refined boron products are used as essential ingredients for frit and glaze production and also in ceramic tile body formulations. Frit and glaze formulations can contain up to 20% B2O3 depending on the manufacturing process.
In frit and glaze formulations borates;
• Initiate glass formation
• Reduce glass viscosity
• Help to form a smooth surface
• Help to reduce thermal expansion; thus facilitating a good fit between the glaze and the clay.
• Borates also increase the refractive index, or lustre, of glazes and can enhance their resistance to chemicals.
In recent years, significant effect of boron products in the ceramic tile body has been observed. In ceramic tile body formulations borates provide environmental and economic advantages by lowering energy use, emissions and handling losses as well as reduced tile thickness that increase the productivity.
