Ceramic - Pottery Dictionary

by Susan Mussi

ABSORPTION - Clay in pottery.

ca: ABSORCIÓ - En l’argila.

es: ABSORCIÓN – En la arcilla.

Absorption is the process by which two or more products combine. In clay, the absorption of dampness makes it expand and increases its weight, which leads to cracking and breaking. Clay is not completely dry at room temperature. If fired up to 120º C to dry off and then left to cool, it will be able to reabsorb more dampness. If firing clay of different thicknesses, the first firing should be long with the temperature rising slowly, so the clay can dry out completely before becoming bisque at 600º C.

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