Optimization of Engobe Compositions for Ceramic Tiles

Engobes can be defined as liquid clay slips of varying compositions which are applied to the surface of a ceramic tile. Engobes constitute a kind of undercoat whose sole purpose is to cover the tile body and make it uniform for application of the subsequent glaze. Engobe need to be drying, firing and thermal expansion compatible with both the underlying body and overlying glaze. In this paper, after application on surfaces of ceramic tiles, the samples were fired at 1180 C for 60 min; various physical tests were done on ceramic tiles. We survey many raw materials which effect on characterization of engobe such as amount of silicon oxide, zirconium silicate