エピソード

  • Temporary binders: functions and actions

    Temporary binders: functions and actions
    2025/08/04
    In the world of ceramics, temporary binders play a crucial role in improving the cohesion and workability of slips.

    These substances, often polymer-based, act on a chemical level by creating bonds between particles, increasing the mechanical strength of the mixture.

    In this episode, we explore what they are, how they work, and why they are essential in modern ceramic processes.
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    18 分
  • Behind the scenes of innovation: exploring the challenges and methodology behind the development of chemical auxiliaries

    Behind the scenes of innovation: exploring the challenges and methodology behind the development of chemical auxiliaries
    2025/07/21
    This episode takes inspiration from the thesis work of the Head of Research at Zschimmer & Schwarz Ceramco. The goal is not to focus on the specific topic explored in that study (in this case, the well-known issue of the "black core"), but rather to highlight the research methodology and the meticulous, in-depth work that takes place every day in the laboratories of chemical companies serving the ceramic manufacturing industry.

    Although it begins in an academic context, the process described closely mirrors the structured, methodical approach followed by laboratory professionals in real-world industrial settings.
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    19 分
  • Top glaze: what it is, what it is used for, and how to apply it

    Top glaze: what it is, what it is used for, and how to apply it
    2025/07/07
    In the ceramic field, a “top glaze” refers to the glaze applied as the final layer onto the unfired ceramic substrate.

    This glaze can serve multiple functions, but it primarily protects the underlying decoration and imparts specific technical and aesthetic properties to the surface.

    This episode focuses on this particular class of glazes, taking a closer look at the key functions and rheological characteristics (among others) that the suspension must exhibit, depending on the chosen application method and the type of ceramic product being manufactured.
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    17 分
  • Chimic-A.I. – Chemistry Through the Eyes of Artificial Intelligence. A Playful Experiment

    Chimic-A.I. – Chemistry Through the Eyes of Artificial Intelligence. A Playful Experiment
    2025/06/23
    After more than fifty episodes exploring topics of general interest—always through the lens of chemistry and ceramic production—we’ve decided to have some fun.

    We posed a few simple questions to artificial intelligence, asking it to write a short text about chemistry with complete freedom to choose the themes and highlights.

    The result? Amusing, sometimes absurd—mostly accurate, but not always.

    As we know, Large Language Models (the technology behind AI’s ability to understand and generate text) can produce content that sounds convincing and is often correct, yet it’s not immune to errors or even clichés. With so much information available online, inaccuracies are just a step away.

    That’s why it’s essential to keep in mind that this is, above all, an experiment—and, let’s not forget, just a bit of fun!
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    15 分
  • Melting materials and ceramic production: what they are and what they are for

    Melting materials and ceramic production: what they are and what they are for
    2025/06/09
    Melting materials used in ceramics, often in glazes and digital glues, are capable of lowering the melting point of a material or compound, thus accelerating the sintering process.

    This action, which occurs through the breaking of the molecular structure of the compound (in our case, silica) by certain ions, affects several factors and must be carefully calibrated each time to achieve the desired result.

    Some of the areas influenced by this process include the grit application, the glossy or matte finish of the surface, interaction with colors, and energy savings.

    How do these materials (such as sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, boron, etc.) work within the suspensions they are added to, and how does this action reflect on the final ceramic material?
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    18 分
  • Ceramic production and digital processes: productivity, challenges, and preventive actions

    Ceramic production and digital processes: productivity, challenges, and preventive actions
    2025/05/26
    Industrial productivity is a top priority for any manufacturing enterprise, regardless of its field of operation.

    The ceramic industry, too, must adhere to rules and parameters that enhance productivity while avoiding any form of waste.

    However, process interruptions—representing the most extreme scenarios—can be triggered by numerous factors and can occur at various stages along the production line.

    Even the digital printing process, including all the micro-processes that occur immediately before and after the printer, can be prone to issues that, in the most severe cases, lead to machine downtime.

    This discussion explores some of the most representative critical scenarios related to the topic, providing an overview of preventive actions that can be implemented to mitigate such risks.
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    18 分
  • Reverse Osmosis: problems and solutions in water treatment

    Reverse Osmosis: problems and solutions in water treatment
    2025/05/12
    Water is one of the most widely used natural resources in numerous applications and across various sectors of industrial production.

    For example, process water forms the basis of different production phases and ensures their proper development.

    However, not all waters are the same.

    Depending on its source, water can have very different properties, which may make it suitable or unsuitable for a specific process.

    In general, water quality is often a necessary precondition.

    For this reason, there are various processes capable of purifying water efficiently and, most importantly, safely.

    One of the most widespread and commonly used methods is reverse osmosis.
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    15 分
  • Suspending agents: nature, function, and chemical-physical principles

    Suspending agents: nature, function, and chemical-physical principles
    2025/04/28
    Suspending agents belong to a broad category of additives whose primary purpose is to provide ceramic suspensions (slips, glazes, engobes, or frits) with good internal stability, counteracting potential sedimentation phenomena.

    Available in both liquid and solid forms, these products act within the suspension to ensure the right balance.

    There are various mechanisms that can be employed to properly maintain the solid phase of the mixture in suspension.

    Among these, the most significant are about viscosity, electrostatic repulsion, and concentration (solid/liquid ratio).

    This episode, after reviewing the properties of suspending agents, focuses on these three main tools, delving into the reasons and mechanisms behind each, also considering the application systems through which suspensions are deposited onto the ceramic substrate—a detail that can significantly influence the type of suspending agent to be used.
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    20 分