FORMULATION OF LOW-TO-MEDIUM TEMPERATURE GLAZES USING VARYING PROPORTIONS OF GROUNDNUT SHELL ASH AS A BASE MATERIAL

This study investigates the use of groundnut shell ash (GSA) as a sustainable base material in the formulation of low to medium-temperature ceramic glazes using the triaxial blend method. The research was aimed at determining the effects of varying proportions of GSA in combination with feldspar and kaolin on the physical and aesthetic properties of glaze coatings fired between 1000°C and 1180°C. The experiment was conducted using a systematic triaxial blend approach in which GSA, feldspar, and kaolin were mixed in varying ratios across 15 formulated glaze samples. The oxide composition of GSA revealed high levels of CaO (22.8%), K₂O (10.4%), and SiO₂ (38.7%), making it suitable as a flux-rich material. Results showed that increasing GSA content significantly enhanced glaze maturity, reduced melting temperature, and produced glossy surfaces with color variations from light brown to greenish tones, depending on the concentration. Samples with higher kaolin content yielded matt surfaces, while feldspar-rich compositions produced smoother glossy textures. The study concludes that GSA can effectively serve as a primary flux material for sustainable glaze development in ceramic production, providing a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to imported fluxes. The triaxial blend method proved valuable for predicting compositional effects and guiding glaze optimization. The research contributes to the advancement of green ceramics and circular materials use in the ceramic industry. This will serve as a step in the right direction for waste materials reutilization and its productive use in sustainable ceramic glaze production.