ABSTRACT
The formulation of glazes using raw materials from selected states in north eastern Nigeria. This study explored some raw materials from North Eastern Nigeria suitable for the development of glazes for use in pottery studios and tertiary institutions. The study was set to: explore, identify and obtain some suitable raw materials for development of glazes. The raw materials were Beneficiated. The raw materials obtained were analyzed by means of X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Batches were formulated for the glazes. Maturing temperature suitable for the glaze developed was determined. The raw materials used for the study are ball clay, feldspar, kaolin and quartz. Triaxial and quadaxial blends of the materials were made for the tests of the glazes as the basis for glaze development. Physical property tests conducted on the glazes included vitreous crazing and imperviousness. The imperviousness of the glazed blend was determined. The bisque fired samples of the tiles were at 900?C? The experimental samples which were numbered in accordance to the glazes were then glazed after biscuit firing for the different tests of glazes. Nine differently blended batches were formulated for the glaze development, making a total of 390 samples. These glazes were fired and the following showed the best results: Samples 4 blend 25 (75% feldspar, 25% ball clay) and 32 of batch blends of 121 (8% ball clay, 72% feldspar, 2% kaolin, 18% quartz) and sample 20 of blend 121 (18% ball clay, 72% feldspar, 2% kaolin, 8% quartz). The glaze sample 4 of 25 member blend, samples 20 and 32 of 121 member blend proved to be suitable glazes developed from the materials of the study. They have met the necessary characteristics expected of good glazes such as smooth and shiny surface, hardness resistance and resistance to corrosion. These batches were tested on thrown products successively that were fired at a temperature of 1260oC. Stoneware glazes have been formulated using raw materials found in Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States.