🏭 Ceramic Body Deflocculation · 100% STPP Replacement
Cost only 30–40% of STPP
1. Product Overview
Overview
1.1 Ceramic deflocculant (also known as dispersant, thinning agent, or water reducer) is a key additive in ceramic slip casting processes, directly influencing slurry fluidity, moisture content, and green body quality. The Goway deflocculant series is specifically designed to replace traditional sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in ceramic body formulations, achieving 100% direct substitution while costing only 30%–40% of STPP, significantly reducing overall production costs.
1.2 The series includes four grades, divided into silica-free and silica-containing categories to accommodate different raw material characteristics:
- Silica-free: FG-2017 (Na₂O 30–32%, no SiO₂)
- Silica-containing: FG-MK03, FG-N203B, FG-SL01A (SiO₂ content ranging from 18% to 33%)
1.3 Recommended dosage: 0.2%–0.5% based on dry material weight. Optimal dosage should be determined through laboratory trials, considering slurry fineness, moisture content, and raw material types.
0.2–0.5%
Recommended Dosage
100%
STPP Substitution Rate
30–40%
Price vs. STPP
4
Available Grades
25kg
Packaging
2. Technical Principle
Mechanism
2.1 Electrostatic Dispersion Mechanism
- Deflocculant releases Na⁺ ions in water, which adsorb onto clay particle surfaces, increasing negative surface charge density.
- Enhanced electrostatic repulsion breaks down flocculation networks, releasing entrapped water and reducing slurry viscosity.
- Slurry fluidity improves significantly, enabling higher solid content at the same moisture level.
2.2 Silica-free (FG-2017) vs. Silica-containing (MK03/N203B/SL01A)
- Silica-free: High sodium content (Na₂O 30–32%) for pure electrostatic dispersion. No silica introduced — ideal for silica-sensitive bodies or formulations already containing sufficient siliceous materials.
- Silica-containing: Introduces reactive SiO₂ to provide a "electrostatic + steric hindrance" dual dispersion mechanism. Offers better adaptability for high-clay formulations and superior suspension stability.
⚡ Dispersion Process Flow
① Deflocculant dissolves in water → releases Na⁺ and active anionic groups
→ ② Adsorbs onto clay particle surfaces, forming electrical double layer
→ ③ Electrostatic repulsion + (for silica-containing) steric hindrance → particle dispersion
→ ④ Releases entrapped water → slurry viscosity decreases, fluidity improves
3. Product Series & Specifications
Specifications
📋 Full Series Chemical Composition (wt%)
| Grade |
Na₂O (%) |
SiO₂ (%) |
P₂O₅ (%) |
L.O.I (%) |
Appearance |
Type |
| FG-2017 |
30–32 |
—— |
0–1 |
55–60 |
Light yellow granules |
Silica-free |
| FG-MK03 |
12–15 |
20–22 |
1–2 |
55–65 |
White granules |
Silica-containing |
| FG-N203B |
15–18 |
30–33 |
0–1 |
45–50 |
Black granules |
Silica-containing |
| FG-SL01A |
18–20 |
18–20 |
1–2 |
55–60 |
Light yellow granules |
Silica-containing |
📦 Packaging: 25kg/bag, 25kg/drum, or IBC tote
🎯 Recommended Dosage: 0.2% – 0.5% (dry basis)
🧪 Appearance: Light yellow / White / Black granules
📋 Application: Ceramic body slip casting
4. Core Advantages
Advantages
- 4.1 100% STPP Replacement — Complete substitution of sodium tripolyphosphate with equivalent or superior deflocculation performance, without changing existing production processes.
- 4.2 Significant Cost Reduction — Priced at only 30%–40% of STPP, substantially lowering per-ton ceramic production costs.
- 4.3 Broad Adaptability — Multiple silica-free and silica-containing grades available to precisely match different body formulations (high-alumina, high-silica, high-calcium, etc.).
- 4.4 Low Phosphorus, Eco-friendly — P₂O₅ content 0–2%, meeting increasingly stringent environmental phosphorus restrictions.
- 4.5 No Firing Residue — Organic/inorganic components fully volatilize or fuse into the glass phase during firing, with no negative impact on glaze quality.
- 4.6 Color Compatibility — White granules (FG-MK03) ideal for light-colored bodies; black granules (FG-N203B) specifically designed for dark-colored bodies to avoid color differences.
5. Silica-free vs. Silica-containing Comparison
Comparison
🔹 Silica-free · FG-2017
- Na₂O Content: 30–32% (high sodium)
- SiO₂ Content: — (none introduced)
- Dispersion Mechanism: Pure electrostatic
- Applications: Silica-sensitive bodies, formulations already containing sufficient siliceous materials
- Advantage: Simple composition, avoids rheological interference from silica in specific slurry systems
🔸 Silica-containing · MK03 / N203B / SL01A
- SiO₂ Content: 18–33% (reactive silica)
- Na₂O Content: 12–20%
- Dispersion Mechanism: Electrostatic + Steric Hindrance dual mechanism
- Applications: High-clay formulations, applications requiring superior suspension stability
- Advantage: Surface coating reduces particle friction, water reduction up to 15–20%
💡 Quick Selection Guide: Silica-sensitive body → FG-2017; High-clay formulation / pursuing lower moisture content → choose from MK03 / N203B / SL01A based on SiO₂ content matching.
6. Application Scenarios
Applications
6.1 Ceramic Body Slip Casting
Added to body slip to effectively reduce viscosity and improve fluidity, ensuring smoother mold filling and better de-airing during casting. Reduces defects such as bubbles, lamination, and uneven filling caused by poor fluidity. Simultaneously lowers slurry moisture content, improving production efficiency.
6.2 Sanitary Ware
Suitable for large castings such as toilets and washbasins. Good fluidity and low thixotropy ensure complete shaping of complex geometries.
6.3 Tableware & Daily Ceramics
Improves slurry dispersion uniformity, reduces bubbles and pinhole defects, and enhances finished product surface quality.
6.4 Advanced Ceramics
Applicable to high-alumina, high-zirconia, and other advanced ceramic systems. FG-2017 silica-free grade is particularly suitable for high-purity systems sensitive to silica impurities.
7. Selection Guide
Selection
🔹 FG-2017 Silica-free High-Sodium
Na₂O 30–32%, no SiO₂. Suitable for silica-sensitive bodies or formulations already containing sufficient quartz/wollastonite. Pure electrostatic dispersion for direct and efficient deflocculation.
High Na₂O · Silica-free · Light yellow granules
🔹 FG-MK03 Silica-containing Balanced
Na₂O 12–15%, SiO₂ 20–22%, P₂O₅ 1–2%. Balanced silica-alumina ratio, suitable for general tableware and sanitary ware bodies. Gentle deflocculation with stable slurry performance.
Balanced · White granules
🔹 FG-N203B Silica-containing High-Silica
Na₂O 15–18%, SiO₂ 30–33%, P₂O₅ 0–1%. High silica, low phosphorus — specifically designed for high-clay formulations, achieving 15–20% water reduction.
High-silica · Black granules
🔹 FG-SL01A Silica-containing Balanced Enhanced
Na₂O 18–20%, SiO₂ 18–20%, P₂O₅ 1–2%. Balanced silica-phosphorus for both dispersion and suspension enhancement, ideal for large or complex-shaped bodies.
Balanced Enhanced · Light yellow granules
💡 Blending Recommendation: Silica-free and silica-containing grades can be blended in proportion (e.g., 70% FG-2017 + 30% silica-containing). Conduct small-scale trials to determine the optimal ratio balancing dispersion efficiency and suspension stability.
8. Typical Performance Results
Performance
Measured comparison from a sanitaryware plant using FG-2017 to replace STPP in body slip (for reference only):
Slurry Moisture Content
32% → 28%
↓ 4%
Fluidity (Flow Time)
45s → 28s
↓ 38%
Green Body Strength (Dried)
+18%
Strength improvement
- 8.1 Slurry Rheology Improvement: At the same moisture content, flow time reduced by 30–40%, significantly improving casting efficiency.
- 8.2 Moisture Content Reduction: At the same fluidity level, slurry moisture can be reduced by 3–5%, saving drying energy by 10–15%.
- 8.3 Green Body Quality Enhancement: Uniform dispersion reduces bubbles and lamination defects, increasing yield by 5–8%.
- 8.4 Overall Cost Reduction: Deflocculant procurement cost reduced by 60–70%, comprehensive production cost reduced by 8–12%.
9. ROI Benefit Analysis
Cost
60–70%
Deflocculant Cost Reduction
10–15%
Drying Energy Savings
5–8%
Yield Improvement
8–12%
Overall Production Cost Reduction
📊 Payback Period: For a plant producing 1,000 tons of ceramic bodies per month, switching to the Goway deflocculant series saves approximately RMB 800,000–1,200,000 annually, with a payback period of less than 1 month.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Can FG-2017 silica-free grade 100% replace STPP?
Yes. FG-2017 can achieve 100% equal-weight replacement of sodium tripolyphosphate in ceramic body systems, with equivalent or superior deflocculation performance. It is recommended to conduct small-scale trials to confirm the optimal dosage (typically 0.2%–0.5%).
What is the main difference between silica-containing grades (MK03/N203B/SL01A) and FG-2017?
Silica-containing grades contain reactive SiO₂ (18–33%), providing steric hindrance effects in addition to electrostatic dispersion, offering better adaptability for high-clay formulations and superior suspension stability. FG-2017 contains no silica, making it suitable for silica-sensitive bodies or formulations already rich in siliceous materials.
Why is FG-N203B black in color? Will it affect the body color?
The black color of FG-N203B comes from its special raw material composition. It fully volatilizes or fuses into the glass phase during firing, with no impact on body or glaze color. It is particularly suitable for dark-colored bodies. For light-colored bodies, FG-MK03 (white granules) is recommended.
How is the deflocculant dosage determined?
The recommended dosage is 0.2%–0.5% based on dry material weight. The actual dosage is influenced by slurry fineness, moisture content, clay types, and other factors. It is recommended to conduct laboratory trials (gradient dosage tests) to determine the optimal dosage for best fluidity and lowest moisture content.
Is the product environmentally friendly? Does it meet relevant environmental certifications?
This series features low phosphorus (P₂O₅ 0–2%), contains no heavy metals, and complies with RoHS, REACH, and other environmental standards. It has passed SGS testing and meets the increasingly strict environmental requirements of the ceramic industry both domestically and internationally.
11. Technical Support & Sample Request
Support
11.1 Free Samples — 1kg free samples available for laboratory trials and pilot-scale validation.
11.2 Technical Consultation — Goway's technical team provides comprehensive support including formulation optimization and process adjustments to help customers complete product transition quickly.
11.3 Customization Services — Customized deflocculant solutions available based on specific customer body formulation requirements.
🚀 Request Samples & Technical Solutions Now
Fill out the request form and we will respond within 24 hours with free samples and customized technical recommendations.
📩 Request Sample / Get Quote
* This brief is for reference only. Actual performance results should be verified through on-site testing.
