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Paper Clay
Table of contents
Key Data
Formula: -
CAS: -
Other names: -
Appearance: Similar to standard clay
Solubility in water:
Thermal decomposition: The fibres generally burn out during the firing. The temperatures depend on the exact composition of the fibres, which are typically a combination of cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin, but the following is a good starting point:
Cellulose: Stage 1 300 - 335°C, stage 2 515 - 625°C
Hemi-cellulose: Stage 1 205 - 315°C, stage 2 530 - 620°C
Lignin: Stage 1 225 - 345°C, stage 2 750 - 800°C.
The decomposition is complex, and dependent on the heating ramp rate, but broadly speaking in Stage 1 the substances break down to phenols and other quite large organic molecules, and then in Stage 2 this break down further into carbon monoxide and dioxide, water, acetic acid and other small molecules.
Softening Point:
Melting Point:
Boiling Point:
Dustiness:
Composition/Impurities
A standard clay to which a fibrous material has been added. This is most commonly cellulose (through the addition of paper), though other fibres have been added such as flax, cotton lint, glass and nylon.
Uses
A low shrinkage clay that is used for sculptural and non-functional pieces, for helping join pieces of clay, and for repairing cracked pieces. When fired, the fibres burn out (except for glass, which incorporates into the body), leaving a porous body, often with a slight surface texture.