Incorporating Iron Filings from Zaria Nigeria into Clay Body for the Production of Decorative Ceramics

This research went through experimental processes for the actualization of the objectives. Materials were sourced from different locations; primary clay was sourced from Kankara in Katsina State, secondary clay was obtained from Bomo town, Zaria Kaduna State while Iron Filings were procured from from an area known as Randa Kano, Kwangila, Zaria. The primary and secondary clays were soaked together for a period of one week and sieved into watery past which was afterwards dewatered for readiness to work with. In the case Iron filings, they were analyzed by sieving into four aggregate sizes of 1.18mm, 600µm, 300µm for experimentation. Clay and iron filings were blended together in different percentages according to the aggregate sizes of Iron filings. Throwing of the different percentages of mixture of clay and iron filings were also carried out on the wheel to ascertain the level at which iron filings affected the throwing ability of the clay. Analysis of the physical appearances of the slabs and thrown tests were carried out and this enabled the production of the decorative wares. The decorative wares were in different sizes and shapes, manipulated to create more interest by restricting iron filings from some parts of the wares. The wares were fired in a kerosene kiln and with the aid of cone 1000oC to control the temperature. Keywords: Iron Filings, Clay body, Decorative Ceramic