Complexing agents and ceramic production: what they are and how they work

Complexing agents are capable of catching multivalent cations present in suspension to prevent them from negatively affecting the ceramic process. They are responsible for one of the main mechanisms underlying the deflocculation process: complexation.Complexing agents (or chelating agents) are chemicals that bind to specific ions (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.), forming stable complexes.This property allows them to "sequester" metals, making them less reactive or preventing their precipitation in solutions.These are simplified and very short descriptions of this particular category of additives. The episode takes a closer look at the mechanisms enacted by these substances within the ceramic production process, highlighting their functions, benefits, and sometimes, risks.