ABSTRACT
Thesis in Industrial Design, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, 1991. The thesis contains 13 tables, 3 maps , 12 plates, and 30 Bibliography. The problem of this study is exploring into the Local raw materials in Akwanga Local Government Area of Plateau State for the production of porcelanous throwing Bodies, glaze materials for such bodies and processes in arriving at the correct body and glaze fit. The objectives among other things are: 1. To identify the local raw materials for the formulation of the porcelanous bodies and glazes. 2. To test the extent to which the local raw materials would be utilised for the formulation of porcelanous throwing wares through experimentation. The materials used in this study are kaolin, feldspar, quartz, ball clay rice husk ash, and wood ash, procured from Akwanga Local Government A rea in Plateau State. The visual and physical property tests includes blending, kneading, plasticity, throwability, trimming and firing. Other visual and physical property tests conducted include whiteness, translucency, transparence, hardness, strength and smoothness. The quadrilateral test blends and triaxial test tiles methods were adapted as the basis for body and glaze formulations. Throwing technique is used as a shaping method to produce experimental samples. The results obtained from the study showed the following summarised findings: 1. Akwanga rice husk ash, wood ash, Kura Falls kaolin, Bayan Dutse ball clay, Buhar feldspar and Ningo Quartz wgre found to be of good quality for porcelanous ware products. 2. The glaze composition selected fitted well on the formulated porcelanous throwing products. 3. Ball milling was found to be an effective means for grinding and mixing of porcelanous materials. 4. The 1300°c temperature range using gas was found to be adequate in yielding hard, white, translucent, transparent and smooth glassy effects with variations of colour effects due to reduction firing. Therefore, the study certifies that Akwanga Local Government Area of Plateau State is a potential place for good and viable quality raw materials for the production of porcelanous wares and glazes.
