Ball clay is a silicate clay rock of which kaolinite is the main constituent: Al2Si2O5(OH)4. Ball clays are kaolinitic clays in the family of silicate minerals. It commonly consists of kaolinite, mica, quartz silica, as well as few organic matters. Ball clay is formed from the weathering and transportation by water of parent rocks. Seams in the same deposit may vary in composition, depending on the quantity of the principal and accessory minerals. Ball clays are fine-grained, highly plastic clays, which are principally used in the manufacture of ceramic whiteware and sanitaryware where they are appreciated for their plasticity, unfired strength and their light colour on firing. Selected clays can even give pure white end products. Among others, ball clays are also used in refractories, in polymers, in adhesives and sealants and in horticulture as soil amendments. Ball clay is particularly valued as a base material in the manufacture of ceramics. Combined with kaolin, ball clays provide the cohesion and workability necessary for the creation of ceramic parts such as sanitaryware. While using it with kaolin, feldspar and quartz in tableware, ball clay confers high plasticity and a good white-fired colour to the end product. In wall and floor tiles, ball clays are prized for their plasticity and bonding properties. In glazes and engobes, they ensure a perfect finish. Electrical porcelain insulators Ball contain plastic clays to provide insulation from high voltage currents. BALL CLAY produced by Peekay Minerals are having the following charactsitics High plasticity High unfired mechanical strength Highly controlled rheological properties Controlled organic content Controlled residue Excellent workability End Users usually ask the following test results L Value firing test of whiteness Dry MOR Fired MOR at 1180 deg cent Water of Plasticity Shrinkage Sieve Analysis
