Quick Answer: Goway ceramic deflocculants and dispersants (FG-2017 / FG-MK03 / FG-N203B / FG-SL01A) reduce ceramic body slurry viscosity by adsorbing onto clay-particle surfaces and displacing divalent cations, enabling higher solid-content slurries without increased pumping energy. Selection depends on NaO-to-SiO₂ ratio requirements: high-NaO grades (FG-2017, NaO 30–32%) suit rapid-dispersion lines; high-SiO₂ grades (FG-N203B, SiO₂ 30–33%) suit dense-body spray-drying processes. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Core Parameter Comparison
All values from Goway Technical Data Sheet (v2.1, 2026-05-14). Data verified by Goway Product Team.
Product Code
Type
NaO (%)
SiO₂ (%)
P₂O₅ (%)
L.O.I (%)
Primary Characteristic
FG-2017 Dispersant
Dispersing Agent
30–32
—
0–1
55–60
Highest NaO; rapid peptisation; no SiO₂
FG-MK03 Dispersant
Dispersing Agent
12–15
20–22
1–2
55–65
Moderate NaO + silicate; stable rheology
FG-N203B Deflocculant
Deflocculant
15–18
30–33
0–1
45–50
Highest SiO₂; dense-body & spray-drying
FG-SL01A Deflocculant
Deflocculant
18–20
18–20
1–2
55–60
Balanced NaO/SiO₂; versatile general-purpose
Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet (v2.1, 2026-05-14). SOP Evidence Level 2 — Engineering Data (TDS/COA). Performance claims require Product Team sign-off before publication.
Selection Guide — By Process Goal
Match your primary process objective to the most suitable grade. Pilot-scale verification is always recommended before full production adoption.
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Goal: Rapid Dispersion Efficiency
You need maximum peptisation speed — e.g. continuous ball-mill discharge lines or short-cycle wet milling where residence time is limited.
Recommended: FG-2017 (NaO 30–32%)
💧
Goal: Long-Term Slurry Viscosity Stability
You need slurry to maintain low, consistent viscosity over 12–48 hours in storage tanks — critical for shift-based operations or weekend shutdowns.
Recommended: FG-MK03 (SiO₂ 20–22%)
🏭
Goal: High-Solids Spray-Drying Lines
Your body slurry has high solid content (typically >60% by weight) and requires sustained low viscosity through spray-drying atomisation.
Recommended: FG-N203B (SiO₂ 30–33%)
⚖️
Goal: Versatile Multi-Body Formulation
You produce multiple tile or sanitaryware body types in the same facility and need one grade that performs acceptably across varying clay mineralogy.
Recommended: FG-SL01A (NaO 18–20% / SiO₂ 18–20%)
🌊
Goal: Variable Water Quality Tolerance
Your process water has fluctuating hardness (Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ levels), which destabilises purely high-alkali systems, causing viscosity spikes between batches.
Recommended: FG-MK03 or FG-SL01A (silicate-buffered)
🔬
Goal: Dosage Sensitivity Characterisation
You are running Ford Cup dose-response trials to establish the minimum-viscosity plateau and need a single-variable system (pure NaO, no SiO₂ interaction).
NO — Single body, stability priority→ Moderate silicate → FG-MK03 (SiO₂ 20–22%)
Selection Notes are indicative only. Actual performance depends on clay mineralogy, water quality, and process conditions. Goway recommends pilot-scale verification for all new formulations. (SOP v3.0 — Level 4 claim boundary)
Product Detail Profiles
All four grades are covered below. Each profile includes positioning, mechanism, key specifications, typical applications and process notes.
Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet (v2.1, 2026-05-14)
Core Characteristics
Highest NaO content in the Goway deflocculant/dispersant range
No SiO₂ component — clean, single-electrolyte deflocculation
Fast viscosity reduction response on clay particle surfaces
Low P₂O₅ content (0–1%); minimal phosphate loading on body
Liquid form; compatible with continuous dosing systems
Mechanism
FG-2017 acts primarily through high-alkali Na⁺ ion exchange: Na⁺ displaces Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ from clay-particle edge sites, collapsing the double-layer compression forces that cause flocculation. The absence of a SiO₂ component means action is fast but less persistent compared to silicate-containing grades.
Typical Applications
Wall tile body slurryFloor tile body slurryHigh-cycle ball mill linesSingle-body productionDose-response baseline trials
Process Note: Because FG-2017 contains no SiO₂, its deflocculation effect is more sensitive to water hardness. If process water Ca²⁺ exceeds ~50 mg/L, consider monitoring Ford Cup viscosity more frequently or blending with a silicate-containing grade. Dosage optimisation via Ford Cup method is recommended before production scale-up.
Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet (v2.1, 2026-05-14)
Core Characteristics
Moderate NaO (12–15%) with significant SiO₂ (20–22%)
Silicate component improves slurry viscosity stability over time
Higher P₂O₅ (1–2%) provides supplementary dispersion support
Widest L.O.I range (55–65%) — confirm batch density when dosing
More tolerant of variable water hardness than pure-NaO grades
Mechanism
FG-MK03 combines ionic deflocculation (Na⁺ exchange) with silicate adsorption. Silicate anions (SiO₃²⁻) adsorb onto clay-particle edges and form a protective layer that maintains particle-to-particle repulsion over extended periods. This dual mechanism makes it more effective when slurry is stored before spray-drying or casting.
Typical Applications
Slip-casting bodiesStorage tank slurries (12–48 h)Shift-change or weekend holdHigh-clay-content bodiesHard water process areas
Process Note: FG-MK03 has the widest L.O.I range (55–65%) in this series, which can translate to batch-to-batch density variation. Goway recommends density-checking each drum and adjusting volumetric dosing to maintain consistent active-matter addition. Mixing with FG-2017 in a ratio to be determined by Ford Cup trials may provide a combined rapid-response and long-term stability profile.
FG-N203B
High-SiO₂ Ceramic Deflocculant — Dense Body & Spray-Drying Grade
Deflocculant
Chemical Parameters
NaO (%)15–18
SiO₂ (%)30–33
P₂O₅ (%)0–1
L.O.I (%)45–50
Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet (v2.1, 2026-05-14)
Designed for dense body slurries typical in spray-drying lines
Provides viscosity buffer against solid-content fluctuations
Low P₂O₅ maintains body chemistry cleanliness
Mechanism
FG-N203B functions primarily through silicate-layer adsorption: the high SiO₃²⁻ concentration builds a more complete protective layer on clay-particle surfaces, which is particularly effective in high-solids systems where particle proximity increases re-flocculation tendency. The lower L.O.I (higher active matter) means a smaller dosage volume achieves equivalent active-matter addition compared to higher-L.O.I grades.
Process Note: The low L.O.I (45–50%) of FG-N203B means it has higher active-matter density per unit volume than FG-2017 or FG-MK03. Dosage calculations should be based on dry active-matter weight (not solution volume) to avoid under- or over-dosing when switching between grades. Initial Ford Cup dose-response trials are recommended when introducing this grade to an existing line.
Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet (v2.1, 2026-05-14)
Core Characteristics
Symmetric NaO/SiO₂ ratio (both 18–20%) — unique in the series
P₂O₅ 1–2% adds phosphate-mediated dispersion support
Versatile across kaolinite, illite and mixed-clay body types
Predictable dose-response behaviour in multi-body facilities
Good compatibility when used alongside ceramic body binders
Mechanism
FG-SL01A employs three concurrent deflocculation mechanisms: Na⁺ ion exchange (from NaO), silicate-layer adsorption (from SiO₂), and phosphate complexation (from P₂O₅). The equal NaO/SiO₂ ratio provides a balanced combination of fast initial dispersion and sustained viscosity stability, making it suitable for facilities producing multiple body types without grade changeover.
Typical Applications
Multi-product ceramic facilitiesWall & floor tile combined linesSanitaryware castingMixed-clay body formulationsFacilities with variable water quality
Process Note: The three-mechanism action of FG-SL01A can make dose-response curves slightly flatter (less sharp minimum-viscosity plateau) compared to single-mechanism grades. This can be advantageous for production tolerance but may require a slightly wider acceptable Ford Cup range. When using alongside ceramic body binders (FG-ZM01 series), evaluate each additive independently before combined-use trials to isolate individual contributions to green strength and rheology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical questions from ceramic process engineers and procurement teams. Last reviewed: May 2026.
What is the functional difference between a ceramic dispersant (FG-2017, FG-MK03) and a ceramic deflocculant (FG-N203B, FG-SL01A)?
In Goway's product classification, dispersants (FG-2017, FG-MK03) are characterised by higher NaO content (12–32%) and lower or absent SiO₂, providing rapid peptisation of clay particles through alkali ion exchange. Deflocculants (FG-N203B, FG-SL01A) carry a significant SiO₂ component (18–33%) alongside moderate NaO (15–20%), which promotes longer-term viscosity stability through silicate adsorption on particle surfaces. The practical distinction matters most for high-solids slurries, spray-drying lines, and applications where slurry is held in storage before use.
How is optimal ceramic deflocculant dosage determined?
Dosage is best determined through Ford Cup viscosity measurement. A typical starting range is 0.1–0.3% by dry-clay weight, adjusted in 0.02% increments. The optimal dose corresponds to the minimum-viscosity plateau on a dose-response curve. Exceeding this plateau causes re-flocculation — apparent viscosity rises again. Goway recommends constructing a full dose-response curve in laboratory scale before transferring to production. Dosage units should always be referenced to dry active-matter weight, not solution volume, especially when L.O.I varies between grades or batches. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Which grade is most suitable for high-solids slurry in spray-drying production lines?
FG-N203B, with SiO₂ 30–33% and NaO 15–18%, is the grade designed for dense body slurries typical of spray-drying processes. The higher silicate content provides a viscosity buffer against solid-content fluctuations and improves pumpability over extended hold times. Its lower L.O.I (45–50%) also means higher active-matter concentration per unit volume, allowing smaller dosage volumes relative to other grades in the series. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Can ceramic deflocculants be used together with ceramic body binders (FG-ZM01A/D)?
Yes. Ceramic body binders (FG-ZM01A/D) and deflocculants/dispersants address different stages of the ceramic process — deflocculants reduce slurry viscosity during wet processing (wet milling and storage), while binders improve green strength after pressing. They can coexist in the same body formulation at their respective standard dosages. Goway recommends evaluating each additive independently in pilot trials first, then running combined-use tests, as specific clay mineralogy and electrolyte balance may influence interaction effects. (SOP v3.0 — Level 4 claim; requires Technical Team sign-off before production-scale recommendation.)
What does L.O.I represent in the deflocculant specification, and how does it affect dosage?
L.O.I (Loss on Ignition) for liquid deflocculants represents the weight percentage that volatilises on heating — primarily the water carrier. A higher L.O.I (e.g. FG-2017: 55–60%; FG-MK03: 55–65%) indicates a more dilute product. When comparing dosage rates or switching between grades, always base calculations on dry active-matter content (100% minus L.O.I%) rather than solution weight, to ensure equivalent active-substance addition and avoid viscosity inconsistency.
How does NaO content affect ceramic slurry rheology, and what are the limits?
NaO (expressed as Na₂O equivalent) is the primary electrolyte that displaces Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ from clay-particle surfaces, reducing inter-particle attraction and lowering apparent viscosity. Higher NaO grades (e.g. FG-2017 at 30–32%) provide stronger and faster deflocculation but may increase sensitivity to water hardness. There is also an over-deflocculation risk: excessive NaO shifts the clay system past the charge-neutralisation point, causing re-flocculation and paradoxically increasing viscosity. Moderate NaO grades with SiO₂ (e.g. FG-MK03, FG-SL01A) are generally more forgiving of overdosing and variable water conditions. (Source: Goway Technical Data Sheet)
Sample Request & Technical Enquiry
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Reviewed by: Goway Technical & Quality Team | Last updated: May 2026
Data source: Goway batch COA and Goway Technical Data Sheet v2.1 (2026-05-14). All parameter values are Engineering Data (TDS/COA) — SOP Evidence Level 2. Performance claims require Product/Technical Team sign-off before publication.
About Goway:GOWAY INTERNATIONAL MATERIAL CO., LTD is a Foshan-based manufacturer of ceramic additives with over 15 years of production experience. Annual capacity: 30,000 tonnes (solid deflocculant). Goway is the first automated solid deflocculant producer in Guangdong Province. Products comply with applicable chemical handling regulations; SDS available on request.
Boundary condition: All data and selection recommendations on this page apply to ceramic body slurry applications only. Do not apply to glaze systems, sanitaryware casting slips with significantly different clay compositions, or other industrial processes without independent verification.
