Ceramic production requires precise control of slurry viscosity, particle distribution, and fluidity. A ceramic diluting agent, also known as a deflocculant or ceramic dispersant, is a chemical additive used to reduce slurry viscosity without increasing the water content. It helps stabilize ceramic slip, improves mixing efficiency, and enhances overall production performance.

In this guide, we explain what a ceramic diluting agent is, how it works, and how it can be applied in different ceramic processes. For manufacturers looking for stable performance and consistent quality, choosing a suitable ceramic diluting agent is essential. You can also refer to our ceramic diluting agent product introduction for practical solutions in daily production.

1. What Is a Ceramic Diluting Agent?

A ceramic diluting agent is a functional additive designed to improve the rheology and stability of ceramic slurry. Instead of simply adding more water, which can weaken the green body and cause drying defects, a diluting agent achieves fluidity through chemical dispersion.

In practical use, a ceramic diluting agent can:

• Reduce viscosity in ceramic slip
• Prevent particle agglomeration and flocculation
• Improve slurry fluidity and pumpability
• Increase grinding and mixing efficiency
• Stabilize ceramic slurry during storage and transport

2. Why Ceramic Slurry Needs a Diluting Agent

Ceramic raw materials such as kaolin, clay, feldspar, quartz, zirconium silicate, and alumina carry surface charges and tend to form agglomerates in water. This natural behavior leads to:

• High slurry viscosity
• Poor flow and pumpability
• Uneven particle distribution
• Low grinding efficiency and high energy consumption
• Defects such as pinholes, warpage, and cracks in the final product

By using a suitable ceramic diluting agent, manufacturers can disperse particles uniformly and stabilize the suspension system. As a result, the slurry becomes easier to handle and the quality of the final ceramic product is significantly improved.

3. How a Ceramic Diluting Agent Works: The Dispersion Mechanism

The dispersion mechanism of a ceramic diluting agent involves a combination of electrostatic effects, steric hindrance, and electrical double-layer stabilization. Together, these mechanisms reduce inter-particle attraction and maintain a stable, low-viscosity slurry.

3.1 Electrostatic Repulsion

Many ceramic dispersants ionize in water and adsorb onto the surface of ceramic particles. This process increases the zeta potential and creates strong electrostatic repulsion between particles. As a result:

• Particles move apart instead of sticking together
• The slurry becomes more stable
• Viscosity decreases and flow improves

3.2 Steric Hindrance Effect

Some polymer-based ceramic diluting agents create a molecular “shield” or layer around particles. This steric hindrance physically prevents particles from coming too close and forming agglomerates, even at high solid contents.

The result is a stable, free-flowing slurry that maintains good fluidity during milling, pumping, casting, and storage.

3.3 Electrical Double-Layer Stabilization

A ceramic diluting agent also helps adjust the thickness and structure of the electrical double layer surrounding ceramic particles. A thicker and more stable double layer increases repulsion between particles and prevents flocculation.

This mechanism is especially important in high-density slips used for:

• Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles
• Sanitary ware and tableware
• Refractory and structural ceramics

4. Key Benefits of Using a Ceramic Diluting Agent

When properly selected and dosed, a ceramic diluting agent can bring multiple benefits to your production line:

5. Typical Applications in the Ceramic Industry

Ceramic diluting agents are widely used in many types of ceramic products and processes, including:

• Ceramic floor tiles and wall tiles
• Porcelain and tableware
• Sanitary ware
• Refractories and structural ceramics
• Glazes, engobes, and slips
• High-alumina and zirconium-based ceramics

In each of these applications, a stable, high-solid slurry is critical for achieving consistent quality and reducing production costs. For integrated ceramic chemical solutions, please see our ceramic additives product portfolio.

You can also review real production results in our customer application cases.

6. How to Use a Ceramic Diluting Agent (General Guide)

The exact usage depends on your raw materials, equipment, and production process, but the following guidelines are commonly used in ceramic plants:

1. Add the diluting agent during ball milling or intensive mixing for best dispersion.
2. Pre-dilute the agent with water if recommended by the supplier.
3. Increase the dosage gradually; avoid adding a large amount at once.
4. Monitor viscosity and fluidity after full mixing.
5. Combine dosage adjustment with pH control for optimal results.

A typical dosage range is 0.15%–0.5% of the dry material weight, but laboratory testing is always recommended before full-scale application.

7. Factors That Influence Performance

The performance of a ceramic diluting agent is affected by several factors:

• Particle size distribution and specific surface area
• Water hardness and ion content
• System pH and temperature
• Raw material composition and impurities
• Compatibility with other additives (binders, plasticizers, etc.)
• Milling time, mixing intensity, and storage conditions

To achieve stable and repeatable results, it is recommended to perform small-scale trials before mass production.

8. Common Problems and Practical Solutions

9. Summary

A ceramic diluting agent is a key additive in modern ceramic production. By lowering viscosity, improving dispersion, and stabilizing ceramic slurry, it helps manufacturers achieve:

• More efficient production
• Lower energy consumption
• Better product consistency
• Higher overall quality

If you are looking for tailored solutions for your ceramic production line, feel free to contact our technical team for customized recommendations on ceramic diluting agents and related additives.