Rheology of a Low-Plastic Ceramic Body Containing Na-Bentonite.

This paper reports the results of a study on the rheological behavior of slips prepared using a low-plastic body with 0-4 wt% of alkali-activated bentonite added as strengthening agent. The presence of bentonite increases the plasticity of the slips and their viscosity and thixotropy, and addition of bentonite to about2 wt% does not greatly affect the rheological conditions that regulate the industrial steps. Higher percentages of bentonite strongly modify the rheology of the slips, and in order for them to be workable, it is necessary to reduce the solid content and/or amounts of deflocculant greater than 0.5 wt%.