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joining handles /flocculant vs deflocculant - tom

updated wed 3 jan 01

 

Margaret Barlow on tue 2 jan 01


Tom, I read your post with interest as this is something that has puzzled me
for a long time. You say

> Vinegar supplies hydrogen ion (H+ ion), and this highly mobile ion
>will cause agglomeration of clay particles ("flocculation").

My question is, why does sodium silicate (a deflocculant) work as well if
not better than vinegar (a flocculant)?

I use 6-8^ porcelain and have tried everything for attaching handles. First
after the Ron Roy workshop it was vinegar, then after the Fusion Conference
with Lana Wilson, it was Magic Water and after the Sylvie Granatelli
workshop I have been using a sodium silicate slip.

I found the Magic Water (containing deflocculants) equal to if not better
than the vinegar. Now using the slip (containing sodium silicate)it also
acts as a filler.

I have also used it in a little handbuilding and find the slip to be
superior to the vinegar, plus I don't get that yen for "fish 'n chips".

Margaret, Caistor Centre, Ont.