Glazes and Glaze Preparation

Glazes are the substances, which are generally used to cover the top part of the tiles (generally). If we consider wall tiles the top part, which we can see as a glossy layer is called the glaze. Actually glaze is a layer of glass and it can be defined as,

"A thin continuous layers of glass, fusion bonded to the ceramic body"

Glazes are usually prepared according to a formula, which is predetermined in accordance with the ceramic body.

Preparation
1. Raw materials are weighed according to the batch formula.
2. Grind the batch in a ball mill.
3. Adjust the density, viscosity and particle size distribution.
4. Finally sieve the batch before using.

Density, viscosity and particle size distribution are the main factors that govern the properties of the materials.

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA)

Shape memory alloys (SMA's) are metals, which exhibit two very unique properties, pseudo-elasticity, and the shape memory effect.

What is Pseudo-elasticity?
This is also called superelasticity. This is an elastic response in the materials in which, under mechanical stresses, it deforms to high strains (~10%) and when the stress is removed it gains the original shape.

What is Shape Memory Effect?
Shape-memory materials are stimuli-responsive materials. They have the capability of changing their shape upon application of an external stimulus. It is called the shape memory effect.

These materials are used for various engineering, high technology applications such as military, medical, safety and robotics.

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