firing
Quick Summary
Firing is a crucial step in ceramic production, transforming pliable clay into a durable, hardened material. This process involves heating the shaped clay in a kiln to high temperatures, typically starting around 900°F (500°C). During firing, chemical changes occur that prevent the clay from returning to its plastic state, even when exposed to water.
Different firing temperatures and the addition of materials like feldspar can result in various ceramic types. Lower temperatures produce porous earthenware, while higher temperatures can lead to vitrified stoneware or translucent porcelain. The atmosphere within the kiln also influences the final color of the fired ceramic.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
brick and tileFiring and coolingBricks are fired and cooled in a kiln, an oven-type chamber capable of producing temperatures of 870° to 1,100° C (1,600° to more than 2,000° F), depending on the type of raw material. There are two general types of kilns, periodic and…
Read MoreBricks are fired and cooled in a kiln, an oven-type chamber capable of producing temperatures of 870° to 1,100° C (1,600° to more than 2,000° F), depending on the type of raw material. There are two general types of kilns, periodic and…
Read More
constructionBronze Age and early urban culturesfired bricks appeared. Ceramic pottery had been developing in these cultures for some time, and the techniques of kiln-firing were applied to bricks, which were made of the same clay. Because of their cost in labor and fuel, fired bricks were used at first only…
Read Morefired bricks appeared. Ceramic pottery had been developing in these cultures for some time, and the techniques of kiln-firing were applied to bricks, which were made of the same clay. Because of their cost in labor and fuel, fired bricks were used at first only…
Read More
