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How to Reduce Ceramic Slurry Viscosity: STPP, Deflocculant & Process Adjustment Guide
Diagnose the root cause of high-viscosity body slurry and select the right dispersant strategy — from STPP dosage curves to ceramic deflocculant switching and hard-water correction — with a step-by-step lab trial protocol.
Key Facts for Ceramic Engineers
Deflocculant under-dosing or wrong grade is the most common cause. A 0.05% dosage change can shift Ford Cup flow time by 5–15 seconds.
With correct STPP or deflocculant selection, body slurry solid content can typically be raised by 1–2% while keeping Ford Cup flow time unchanged. Depends on formula and process.
When process water total hardness exceeds 300 mg/L (as CaCO₃), STPP alone becomes less effective. Adding SHMP or switching to FG-MK03/FG-N203B is typically more effective in these conditions.
Ford Cup No. 4 flow time is the standard on-site measurement. Target 25–55 seconds at 35–38% moisture for most tile body slurries. Brookfield viscometer provides more precise lab data.
Adding dispersant beyond the optimal dosage causes re-thickening (over-deflocculation). Always run a full dosage curve — do not assume "more is better".
STPP FG-1003 · Ceramic Deflocculant FG-2017 · SHMP — compare grades in the Selection Matrix below.
All dosage recommendations are starting points. Results vary by clay source, water chemistry, ball mill conditions and scrap ratio. Full-scale production rollout requires pilot validation.
1. Why Is Your Ceramic Slurry Too Viscous? — Root Cause Analysis
High slurry viscosity is a symptom, not a single root cause. Engineers who only adjust dispersant dosage without diagnosing the underlying cause often find the problem returns within days. The following multi-dimensional analysis framework covers the four main cause categories:
1.1 Raw Material Factors
Clay Mineral Composition
Not all clay minerals behave the same in deflocculation. Montmorillonite (smectite) clays have an extremely high surface area and strong water absorption capacity, requiring significantly higher dispersant dosage than kaolinite-dominant clays. If your body formulation has recently incorporated a new clay source — particularly plastic clays, ball clay with high organics, or clays with elevated montmorillonite content — this is a likely cause of sudden viscosity increase.
Relevant parameter to check: Al₂O₃ content of your kaolin. Goway FG-K90 kaolin (Al₂O₃ 35.5%, Fe₂O₃ 0.45%, Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet) has different rheological behavior than lower-grade kaolin with Al₂O₃ below 32%. Higher-purity kaolinite typically deflocculatess more efficiently and at lower dosage.
Calcium and Soluble Salts in Raw Materials
Dolomite, limestone-contaminated feldspar, and calcium-bearing raw materials release Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions during milling. These divalent cations neutralize the negative surface charge that dispersants create, collapsing the electrostatic repulsion layer and causing viscosity to spike. This is a particularly common problem in bodies formulated with Spanish or Italian-style feldspar sources or with carbonate-rich local materials.
1.2 Process Water Quality
Water hardness categories for ceramic process reference:
| Total Hardness (mg/L as CaCO₃) | Classification | Typical Impact on STPP | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| <100 | Soft | Minimal interference | Standard STPP dosage applies |
| 100–200 | Moderately hard | Slight efficiency reduction | Monitor dosage; consider slight increase |
| 200–300 | Hard | Noticeable efficiency loss | Add 20–30% SHMP to STPP blend, or trial FG-MK03 |
| >300 | Very hard | Severe — STPP alone typically insufficient | Water softening + SHMP + ceramic deflocculant |
1.3 Recycled Scrap and Return Slurry
Recycled pressed powder, edge trims, and return slurry from the spray dryer often carry elevated electrolyte concentrations. As scrap incorporation ratio rises above 15–20% of total dry body weight, cumulative electrolyte buildup — especially Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ — progressively interferes with deflocculation. Symptoms: slurry viscosity gradually increases week over week even with unchanged dispersant dosage; aging thickening (standing-sag) becomes more severe.
1.4 Ball Milling and Process Parameters
- Over-milling: Extending mill time beyond the required fineness increases specific surface area, raising dispersant demand. Check residue on 45 µm sieve — if below 1%, consider whether mill time can be reduced.
- Dispersant addition sequence: STPP and ceramic deflocculant should be dissolved in process water and added at the start of the milling cycle, not midway through. Adding dispersant to already-milled high-viscosity slurry achieves poor adsorption.
- Temperature: Slurry temperature above 45°C accelerates STPP hydrolysis to orthophosphate, which has negligible deflocculating ability. Monitor mill temperature.
- Ageing time after milling: For bodies with calcium-bearing minerals, allowing 6–12 hours of ageing after milling — before use — permits initial ion dissolution equilibration and reduces in-production viscosity drift.
2. How Dispersants Reduce Slurry Viscosity — Working Mechanism
Understanding the mechanism helps engineers make better product selection and dosage decisions. There are two primary deflocculation mechanisms relevant to ceramic body slurry:
Electrostatic Repulsion (STPP, SHMP)
Inorganic polyphosphate dispersants adsorb onto clay particle surfaces, imparting a strong negative surface charge. The resulting electrostatic repulsion between particles prevents flocculation, allowing the slurry to flow freely at lower water content.
STPP (Na₅P₃O₁₀) hydrolyzes slowly at room temperature. Its triphosphate chain is long enough to bridge across multiple adsorption sites on clay surfaces, making it more effective than simple orthophosphates.
Ion Exchange + Calcium Sequestration (SHMP)
SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) acts as a polyphosphate chelator. Its longer phosphate chain preferentially binds Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions in solution, preventing them from neutralizing the negative surface charge. This is why SHMP is particularly valuable in hard-water or calcium-rich raw material systems.
Steric Repulsion + Electrostatic Synergy (Ceramic Deflocculants)
Ceramic deflocculants such as FG-2017 and FG-MK03 combine inorganic phosphate and sodium silicate components. The silicate fraction provides steric stabilization through adsorbed layer thickness, while the phosphate fraction contributes electrostatic repulsion. This dual mechanism is more robust than electrostatic repulsion alone in high-clay or high-solid-content systems.
Deflocculation Optimum — The Dosage Window
Every dispersant has an optimal dosage range. Below the optimum: insufficient charge, poor flow. At optimum: maximum charge density, minimum viscosity. Above the optimum: excess Na⁺ ions compress the double layer and cause re-thickening. This is why a dosage curve trial is mandatory — there is no universal "correct" dosage.
3. STPP vs Ceramic Deflocculant vs SHMP — Technical Comparison
Goway supplies all three dispersant types for ceramic body slurry applications. The following comparison covers mechanism, typical use scenario, and key technical parameters to help engineers make an informed selection decision.
| Comparison Factor | STPP — FG-1003 | Ceramic Deflocculant — FG-2017 | SHMP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary mechanism | Electrostatic repulsion via phosphate adsorption | Electrostatic + steric dual mechanism (phosphate + silicate) | Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ chelation + electrostatic |
| Key parameter | P₂O₅ 56%, Na₅P₃O₁₀ 94%, pH 8.0–9.0 (Source: Goway TDS) | NaO 30–32%, P₂O₅ 0–1%, L.O.I 55–60% (Source: Goway TDS) | — |
| Best use scenario | Standard tile/porcelain body, moderately hard water (<200 mg/L TH), cost-sensitive batches | High-clay body, high-calcium raw materials, hard water, high solid content target (>66%) | Hard water (>200 mg/L TH) as additive to STPP; not recommended alone |
| Typical dosage range | 0.10–0.25% by dry body weight (starting point) | 0.10–0.30% by dry body weight (starting point) | 20–30% of STPP dosage as blend partner |
| Hard water performance | Moderate — efficiency drops above 200 mg/L TH | Good — NaO-based matrix more tolerant of divalent ions | Excellent — specifically targets Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ interference |
| Cost structure | Lower unit cost; widely available | Higher unit cost; typically lower total dosage required | Moderate; used as supplement, not main dispersant |
| Fired body impact | Very low at normal dosage; no discoloration risk | Silicate component may affect glaze fit in high-SiO₂ bodies — test required | Negligible at normal blending ratio |
| Slurry aging stability | Good in standard conditions; may drift in high-Ca systems | Generally better stability in challenging systems | Improves STPP stability in hard-water systems |
| Available from Goway | FG-1003, FG-N5, FG-N8, FG-N9 | FG-2017, FG-MK03, FG-N203B, FG-SL01A | Contact Goway for availability |
STPP Grade Comparison — Which Grade for Which Scenario?
Goway offers four STPP grades optimized for different ceramic body requirements. Key differentiators are P₂O₅ content (deflocculating efficacy) and pH (system alkali load):
| Grade | P₂O₅ (%) | Na₅P₃O₁₀ (%) | pH | Whiteness | Best Use Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FG-1003 | 56 | 94 | 8.0–9.0 | 90 | Premium ceramic body requiring high purity, low Fe₂O₃ (0.015%), controlled pH |
| FG-N5 | 36 | 90 | 9.2–10 | 85 | Standard tile body where cost efficiency is the primary factor |
| FG-N8 | 20 | 90 | 11–12 | 83 | Bodies requiring higher alkali load; lower P₂O₅ content reduces raw material cost |
| FG-N9 | 12 | 90 | 11–12 | 80 | Cost-priority applications; verify pH compatibility with your body chemistry |
All values are typical figures. Final specification should be confirmed with the latest batch COA before production use. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Ceramic Deflocculant Grade Comparison — FG-2017, FG-MK03, FG-N203B, FG-SL01A
| Grade | NaO (%) | SiO₂ (%) | P₂O₅ (%) | Best Use Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FG-2017 | 30–32 | — | 0–1 | High-NaO, low-silicate; suitable when fired body SiO₂ balance is sensitive |
| FG-MK03 | 12–15 | 20–22 | 1–2 | Combined phosphate-silicate action; good stability in high-clay bodies with moderate water hardness |
| FG-N203B | 15–18 | 30–33 | 0–1 | Higher silicate content; suitable for systems where steric stabilisation is more important than electrostatic action |
| FG-SL01A | 18–20 | 18–20 | 1–2 | Balanced NaO and silicate; general-purpose grade for standard deflocculation upgrade from STPP |
All values are typical figures. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
4. Selection Matrix — Match Your Situation to the Right Dispersant Strategy
Use the matrix below to identify your situation and find a starting strategy. All dosages are starting points — a lab dosage curve is required before production scale-up.
| Your Situation | Recommended Product / Strategy | Why | Starting Dosage | Validation Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard tile body, soft to moderate water (<200 mg/L TH), cost-sensitive | STPP FG-1003 or FG-N5 | Electrostatic deflocculation works efficiently; high P₂O₅ content in FG-1003 (56%) delivers reliable performance at low dosage | 0.10–0.15% by dry body weight | 5-point Ford Cup dosage curve |
| Hard water (>200 mg/L TH), STPP already used but slurry still viscous | STPP + SHMP blend (2:1 to 3:1 ratio) or trial FG-MK03 | SHMP sequesters Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions that are neutralizing STPP; FG-MK03 has combined phosphate-silicate mechanism for better hard-water tolerance | STPP 0.12% + SHMP 0.04–0.06%; or FG-MK03 0.15% starting | Compare Ford Cup flow time and viscosity vs current formula |
| High-clay body (plasticity index >18), solid content hard to raise above 64% | FG-2017 or FG-SL01A | High-clay systems need stronger adsorption density than STPP alone can achieve. FG-2017 (NaO 30–32%) provides high electrostatic charge; FG-SL01A provides balanced performance | FG-2017: 0.12–0.20%; FG-SL01A: 0.15–0.25% (starting points) | Dosage curve + solid content test at each point |
| Slurry is fine after milling but viscosity increases after 4–8 hours (aging thickening) | Trial FG-MK03 or FG-N203B; check scrap ratio and water electrolyte | Aging thickening is often caused by Ca²⁺ dissolution or electrolyte accumulation from recycled scrap. Silicate-containing deflocculants provide better long-term charge stability | Replace 30–50% of current STPP with FG-N203B (trial); measure viscosity at 0h, 4h, 8h, 24h | Time-series viscosity measurement at fixed temperature |
| Recently changed clay source — slurry suddenly requires more dispersant | Re-run full dosage curve with current STPP; trial FG-SL01A if STPP optimal dose increased >30% | New clay mineral composition (especially higher montmorillonite) raises dispersant demand. Dosage curve re-calibration is necessary before adjusting grade | Start from 0.10% and run full 5-point curve | Dosage curve + compare vs previous clay source curve |
| Body with high calcium raw materials (CaO >3% in body formula) | STPP + SHMP blend; consider water softening; trial FG-2017 | Calcium ions released during milling neutralize dispersant charge. SHMP chelation reduces free Ca²⁺. If problem persists, FG-2017 (high-NaO, minimal SiO₂) avoids adding more SiO₂ to a calcium-sensitive system | STPP 0.15% + SHMP 0.05%; or FG-2017 0.15% (trial) | Ca²⁺ ion concentration in slurry water + Ford Cup test |
| Spray-drying energy high, granule hollow rate elevated | Address slurry viscosity first (STPP/deflocculant optimisation), then raise solid content by 1–2% | Hollow granules are partly caused by low solid content. Reducing slurry water content (raising solid content) at the same Ford Cup flow time directly reduces spray-drying heat load. Typical solid content increase: 1–2 percentage points with optimised deflocculation | As per body formula assessment | Granule size distribution analysis + spray-drying throughput monitoring |
5. Recommended Dosage & 5-Point Lab Trial Protocol
The following protocol is adapted from Goway's application testing procedure for ceramic body slurry deflocculation. It is designed to be run in a ceramic factory lab with standard equipment in approximately 4–6 hours.
5.1 Equipment Required
- Ford Cup No. 4 (or No. 6 for very high viscosity slurries)
- Brookfield viscometer (optional, for more precise data)
- Precision scale (0.01 g resolution)
- Stirring tool or small laboratory mixer
- 500 mL beakers × 5
- Water hardness test kit (TDS meter or titrimetric)
- Thermometer (slurry temperature must be consistent: 20±2°C)
5.2 5-Point Dosage Curve Procedure
-
Prepare reference slurry batch
Use a representative sample of your current body formula (1–2 kg dry weight). Use your normal process water. Ball mill or stir to uniform fineness (residue on 45 µm sieve: match your production standard). Record: dry body weight, water volume, initial Ford Cup time, slurry temperature. -
Set up 5 test beakers
Divide the base slurry into 5 equal portions. Label Beakers A–E corresponding to the 5 dosage points below. Each beaker should contain an identical base slurry with no dispersant yet added. -
Prepare dispersant solutions
Dissolve STPP (or ceramic deflocculant) in a small volume of process water (50 mL) for each dosage level. Add the dissolved solution to each beaker and stir thoroughly for 3 minutes. -
Measure Ford Cup flow time at each point
Allow 10 minutes equilibration after stirring. Measure Ford Cup No. 4 flow time three times per beaker; record the average. Record slurry temperature for each measurement. -
Record solid content and any visual observations
For each beaker, note Ford Cup time, estimated viscosity (if Brookfield available), any settling tendency, and surface gloss/separation behaviour over 30 minutes of standing.
5.3 Dosage Curve Test Points — STPP
| Test Point | STPP Dosage (% dry body weight) | Expected Trend | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0.10% | Baseline — may still be high viscosity | Establish starting point |
| B | 0.15% | Viscosity typically starts falling | Compare with Point A |
| C | 0.20% | Often near optimum — Ford Cup time reaches minimum | Check for further decrease or plateau |
| D | 0.25% | Plateau or slight re-thickening may begin | If Ford Cup time increases vs Point C — optimum is at C |
| E | 0.30% | Over-dosing range — re-thickening likely | Confirms optimal range and over-dosing risk |
5.4 Dosage Curve — Ceramic Deflocculant (FG-2017 / FG-SL01A)
| Test Point | Deflocculant Dosage (% dry body weight) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | 0.10% | Starting point |
| B | 0.15% | Monitor Ford Cup and solid content |
| C | 0.20% | Typical optimum range for most tile bodies |
| D | 0.25% | Extended range for high-clay bodies |
| E | 0.30% | Upper range — confirm no re-thickening |
5.5 Pilot Validation Before Scale-Up
After identifying the optimal dosage from the lab curve, apply it in a controlled pilot batch (typically 1–2 full mill charges) before changing the full production formula. Monitor:
- Ford Cup flow time stability over 24 hours after milling
- Spray-drying throughput and powder moisture
- Granule size distribution (target: 40–80 mesh fraction maximised)
- Green (unfired) tile strength after pressing
- Fired tile whiteness and surface quality
6. Non-Chemical Process Adjustments to Support Deflocculation
Chemical dispersants are most effective when the process conditions are optimised. The following adjustments can meaningfully reduce dispersant demand and improve slurry stability:
6.1 Dispersant Addition Sequence
Add dissolved STPP or ceramic deflocculant to the mill at the very beginning of the milling cycle, together with the initial water charge. This allows maximum adsorption time onto freshly exposed particle surfaces. Adding dispersant to an already-milled, thickened slurry achieves 20–40% lower adsorption efficiency.
6.2 Water Pre-Treatment
In hard-water regions, passing process water through a softening filter (ion exchange resin) or adding a calculated amount of SHMP to the water before mixing can significantly reduce the Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ interference load. A 50% reduction in water hardness typically reduces STPP demand by 15–25% (typical range — depends on clay and water chemistry).
6.3 Milling Time Optimisation
Over-milling increases specific surface area beyond what the formulation requires, increasing dispersant demand without improving fired quality. If your 45 µm sieve residue is already at or below 1%, trial a 10–15% reduction in mill time. Monitor particle size distribution (d50, d90) to avoid coarsening.
6.4 Slurry Ageing
Allow milled slurry to age for 6–12 hours in sealed tanks before use. This allows initial ion dissolution equilibration and helps stabilise viscosity. Particularly effective in bodies containing dolomite, calcium feldspar or other calcium-bearing minerals.
6.5 Scrap Management
Track scrap incorporation ratio carefully. Above 20% by dry weight, cumulative electrolyte build-up typically requires a proportional dispersant increase to compensate. Consider limiting single-batch scrap addition to 15% and ensure scrap is fully dispersed in fresh process water before being added to the main mill.
7. Troubleshooting Table — Common Slurry Viscosity Problems
| Problem / Symptom | Possible Cause(s) | Related Parameter to Check | Recommended Action | Related Product / Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Cup time too long (>60 s) even after adding STPP at normal dosage | Hard process water; high montmorillonite clay; STPP dosage below optimum; over-milling | Water total hardness; clay mineral report; dosage % vs dry body weight; sieve residue | Run 5-point dosage curve; test water hardness; if TH >200 mg/L, add SHMP or trial FG-MK03 | FG-MK03 Deflocculant |
| Slurry flows well after milling but thickens after 4–8 hours (aging thickening) | Ca²⁺ ion release from raw materials; electrolyte accumulation from recycled scrap; STPP hydrolysis | Ca²⁺ ion concentration in slurry water after 8h; scrap incorporation ratio; mill temperature | Replace 30–50% of STPP with FG-N203B or FG-MK03; reduce scrap ratio; check mill temperature (<45°C) | FG-N203B Deflocculant |
| Increasing dispersant dosage makes slurry MORE viscous (re-thickening) | Over-dosing — exceeded deflocculation optimum; excess Na⁺ compressing electric double layer | Current dosage % vs dosage curve | Reduce dosage by 0.05% increments; re-run Ford Cup. Do not exceed the optimum identified in the dosage curve | Run 5-point dosage curve (Section 5) |
| Slurry viscosity suddenly increased after changing clay supplier | New clay has different mineral composition (higher montmorillonite, different particle size distribution) | Clay mineralogy report (XRD); plasticity index of new clay vs old | Re-run full 5-point dosage curve with new clay; if optimum dosage increased >30%, trial FG-SL01A or FG-2017 | FG-2017 / FG-SL01A |
| Spray-drying powder has high hollow granule rate / uneven size distribution | Slurry solid content too low; Ford Cup time not at production target; pump pressure issues | Slurry solid content (%); Ford Cup flow time at spray-dryer inlet; spray pressure | First optimise deflocculation to target Ford Cup time; then gradually raise solid content by 0.5% increments, monitoring granule quality | Section 5 lab trial protocol |
| Fired tile has discolouration or spot defects correlated with dispersant change | New dispersant contains Fe₂O₃ or TiO₂ impurities; silicate component affecting glaze fit | Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ content of dispersant COA; fired whiteness comparison | Request current batch COA from Goway; compare Fe₂O₃ levels between old and new batch; trial FG-1003 (Fe₂O₃ 0.015%) for lowest iron contribution | FG-1003 STPP |
| Ford Cup time erratic — some batches fine, some thick, with same formula | Process water quality variation; inconsistent scrap ratio; seasonal clay variation; STPP dissolution incomplete | Water hardness log; scrap ratio log; clay batch traceability; check STPP dissolution before adding | Introduce batch-by-batch Ford Cup measurement log; standardise water source; pre-dissolve STPP fully in warm water (30–40°C) before mill addition | Section 6 process adjustments |
| Slurry passes lab test but fails in full-scale production | Scale-up effect: mill temperature, mixing uniformity, scrap distribution different at production scale | Mill temperature during full-scale run; mixing time after adding dispersant | Ensure dispersant is fully dissolved and added at the start of the mill charge; allow additional 5 minutes milling time after dispersant addition; verify full-scale Ford Cup at line matches lab result | Contact Goway Application Support |
| Hard water region — STPP + SHMP used but viscosity still not at target | Water hardness very high (>400 mg/L); SHMP ratio insufficient; calcium from raw materials in addition to water | Total hardness and Ca²⁺ ion concentration; raw material CaO content in body formula | Consider water softening at source; increase SHMP to 30–40% of STPP dosage; trial FG-2017 as primary dispersant | FG-2017 |
8. FAQ — Ceramic Slurry Viscosity & Deflocculation
What causes high viscosity in ceramic body slurry?
High viscosity is most commonly caused by insufficient or wrong-type deflocculant, high process water hardness (Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ interference), high clay mineral reactivity (montmorillonite content), over-milling, or elevated scrap ratio introducing electrolytes. Diagnosis should start with measuring water total hardness and running a 5-point dispersant dosage curve before changing any other variable.
Which is more effective — STPP or ceramic deflocculant (such as FG-2017)?
Neither is universally better. STPP (FG-1003, P₂O₅ 56%) is the standard choice for most tile bodies with moderately hard water: it is cost-effective and predictable. Ceramic deflocculants such as FG-2017 (NaO 30–32%) are more suitable for high-clay bodies, high-calcium raw material systems, or when targeting solid content above 66%. Selection depends on your specific formula, water quality and solid content target — lab trial is required to confirm. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Why is my slurry fine after milling but thickens after several hours?
This is called aging thickening or thixotropic gelling. It is typically caused by: Ca²⁺ ion release from calcium-bearing raw materials into the slurry water over time; electrolyte accumulation from high scrap incorporation; or STPP hydrolysis at elevated temperatures. Solutions include switching to a silicate-containing deflocculant (FG-MK03 or FG-N203B), reducing scrap ratio, checking mill temperature (keep below 45°C), or adding a secondary polyphosphate charge 6 hours after milling.
How much STPP should I use for ceramic body slurry?
A typical starting dosage is 0.10–0.20% by dry body weight. Always run a 5-point curve (0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%) and identify the Ford Cup minimum — that is your optimal dosage. Do not assume "more is better": adding beyond the optimal point causes re-thickening. Exact dosage depends on your clay mineral composition, process water hardness, and target solid content. Results vary — lab trial is mandatory.
When should I use SHMP instead of (or alongside) STPP?
SHMP is not a replacement for STPP. It is most useful as a blend partner when your process water total hardness exceeds 200 mg/L (CaCO₃ equivalent), or when your raw materials contain high CaO. A typical STPP:SHMP blend ratio is 2:1 to 3:1 (STPP:SHMP by weight). SHMP chelates Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions that would otherwise neutralize STPP's deflocculating effect. Using SHMP alone is not recommended. Contact Goway to discuss SHMP availability for your region.
What Ford Cup flow time target should I use for ceramic body slurry?
For most ceramic floor and wall tile body slurries processed by spray drying, a target range of 25–55 seconds (Ford Cup No. 4 at 35–38% moisture content) is common in industry practice. However, the appropriate target depends on your specific spray-drying equipment, atomiser type, slurry pump configuration, and powder specification. There is no universal standard — establish your factory target based on your own spray-drying performance record. The Ford Cup test is a quality control tool, not an absolute performance guarantee.
Can changing the deflocculant affect fired tile whiteness?
Potentially, yes. Deflocculants contribute Fe₂O₃ and other minor oxide impurities to the body. Goway FG-1003 STPP has Fe₂O₃ of 0.015% (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet) — one of the lowest in its class. Ceramic deflocculants containing silicate components may slightly affect body SiO₂ balance and glaze fit. When switching dispersant, always check the COA for Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ content, and run a fired quality comparison batch before full production rollout.
Send Your Slurry Parameters for Evaluation
Goway's application team can review your slurry formula, water quality and current dispersant use to provide a customised dosage recommendation and a sample batch for lab trial.
What to Include in Your Inquiry — Slurry Parameters
To provide a precise dosage recommendation, please share as much of the following information as possible:
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