Ash glaze from durian waste for ceramic creations

Abstract

The art of ceramic creation is one of the human cultural prosperity indicators. It has existed in human society for thousands of years. Archeological evidence shows that ceramics have been utilized in various aspects of daily life throughout that time, and glazing has been an important process for enhancing the durability and beauty of ceramics. Glazing improves strength and hardness, as well as the resistance of the surface to acidic and basic substances when ceramic wares are fired at over 1,200 Celsius. These properties have resulted in the persistence of ceramics for thousands of years. The ash glaze is one of the ancient glazes. Chinese potters have used it since the Han dynasty period (206 B.C. – 200 A.D.), more than 2,000 years. In Thailand, Sukhothai pottery is distinguished from Chinese Suzhou pottery by its shape and design, as well as the colors inscribed on it. In recent year, the researcher observed that the consumption of large amounts of durian fruit produces a lot of waste and a difficult waste disposal problem. This Thai durian rind waste causes pollution and affects society. In order to use these wastes, the researcher was interested in trialing them in experimental ash glazes. Raw materials were collected from various sources, then dried and burnt. After being burnt into ashes, glazes were made from it for ceramic creations in accordance with the research process. Since it can be used for several types of ceramics, this study provides a model for using durian rind ash for making an uncomplicated ceramic glaze. As a result, various forms of ceramic works with the durian rind ash glaze were created.