Keramikrohstoffen

Keramikrohstoffe are the basic materials used in the production of ceramic products such as pottery, tiles, bricks, glazes, and refractories. They are mainly natural minerals that are mined and processed to meet the technical requirements of the ceramic industry. The most important raw materials are clay, feldspar, quartz, and various mineral additives.

Clay is the indispensable component of most ceramics. It contains alumina and silica in a plastic state, giving the body its workability and strength after firing. The quality of clay is defined by its particle size distribution, plasticity, and refractoriness. Feldspar is used to lower the sintering temperature and improve the mechanical properties. Quartz adds stiffness and reduces shrinkage during firing. In addition, raw materials such as kaolin, ball clay, bentonite, and mica are employed to tailor the composition to a specific application.

Other materials such as feldspathic rocks, dolomite, and various slags are used as fluxes or fillers. Natural pigments – for example, iron oxides, copper, cobalt, and manganese – are added to produce glazes with varied colors. Refractory ceramics often incorporate alumina, silicon carbide, and zirconia to withstand high temperatures.

The extraction of Keramikrohstoffe is largely an open-pit mining or tunnel operation. After mining, the materials are refined by crushing and grinding, and then processed by drying, mixing, and, if needed, chemical treatment. Clean handling and minimal waste generation are increasingly important, as the ceramic industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint.

Globally, the supply chain for Keramikrohstoffe is concentrated in regions with abundant clay deposits, such as China, India, Germany, and the United States. Continuous research focuses on developing high-performance, low-energy consumption materials and recycling waste clays from ceramic production back into the raw material stream.