Chemicals for ceramic mixtures: a short overview

The ceramic mixture usually used in ceramic production, largely consists of inorganic raw materials (clay, feldspar, sand, etc.), grinding water and chemical.These mixtures, since they must be properly managed in the various stages of the production process - from grinding to pressing (or forming) - must be marked by specific and particular features.In addition to this, the raw ceramic material, once it has been pressed, must have the right properties to prevent and avoid the problems that may occur along the lines (before entering the kilns) and to develop ceramic surfaces without aesthetic or technical defects.To do this, the use of specific chemicals is a must.What are the main chemical categories involved and added to ceramic mixtures? What role do they play and what kind of actions do they promote?