Abstract:
In this research clay deposits located in the Nachchaduwa area were investigated to identify suitable ceramic
fabrication techniques and products. Deposits located in this area are known to be rich in Kaolinite and
Montmorillonite (MMT) and other type of phyrophyllitc clays. These are known as "Red Clay and mined to
fabricate traditional ceramic ware by traditional techniques. The specimens were collected from tanks located
in this area and subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD),
Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), after purifying them and
removing organic compounds. Combination of these techniques with the chemical analysis on selected
specimens was employed to accurate identification of the clay specimens. The results were then compared
with each other and published literature for the identification. Results showed the presence of MMT, kaolinite,
quartz and other type of clay minerals in small quantities; furthermore specimens subjected to chemical
analysis revealed that they contain more than 50% quartz by weight. The purified clay specimens
subjected to a Dejlocculant Demand Test, which determines the optimum amount of defocculant needed to
prepare a casting slip, but the test showed that these claysare not suitable to prepare a casting slip in
fabricating ceramic ware.
