LOCAL SOURCING AND UTILIZATION OF FLINT, BORAX, KAOLIN AND OTHER SUITABLE GLAZE RAW MATERIALS IN EDO STATE FOR LOW MELTING GLAZE

This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing locally sourced flint, borax, kaolin and other suitable glaze raw materials in Edo State for the production of low-melting glazes. Consequently, sourcing and utilization of glaze suitable raw materials for formulation of low melting glaze at studio level has been problematic despite the significant role of glaze in ceramic production, scarcity and development of local glaze for use including dependance on imported glaze raw materials for glaze formulation have created the inability to glaze ceramic products in the ceramic unit of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts in the University of Benin. Effort was made with this study to bridge the foregoing goal by identifying and sourcing flint, borax, kaolin and other suitable glaze raw materials locally to formulate low melting glaze of 1050°c. The raw materials were characterized and formulated into glaze compositions. The glazes compositions were then applied to ceramic test tiles and were fired to different temperatures. The results show that the locally sourced raw materials can be used to produce low-melting glazes with desirable properties. The study demonstrates the potential for local sourcing and utilization of raw materials in Edo State, promoting Economic Development, Sustainability, and Innovation in the ceramic industries in Nigeria.