Using Proteins as Coatings on Ceramics

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | S harjoitus- ja seminaarityöt

Date

2022

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Language

en

Pages

29

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Abstract

Inspired by the old tradition of using milk to seal ceramic vessels, this research explored how different proteins could be utilized as ceramic coatings. This technique is based on the milk’s protein, casein, which “burns” onto the ceramic object when fired. As casein is only one of many types of proteins, the goal of this research was to examine the aesthetic results other types of proteins could produce. The colour, texture and shine of the coatings were studied, as well as how well the coatings adhered to a ceramic surface if they were scratched or washed. A total of seven proteins were examined in this study: whey, collagen, rice, hemp, sunflower seed, peanut, and pea. The proteins were mixed with water to form three mixtures for each protein, one containing 15% protein, the second 30% and the third 50%. There were thus. 21 different mixtures. The ceramic sample tiles were bisque fired prior to applying the protein coatings. Half of the tiles spent five seconds absorbing the mixture and the other half spent 10 minutes. The tiles were fired at four different temperatures: 225 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C. The 225 ° C firing was done in a standard kitchen oven, while the others were done in an electric kiln. Overall, a total of 168 different samples were made. Based on the results, it can be said that different proteins create aesthetically different ceramic coatings. For example, whey coatings were reddish and shiny, and hemp coatings had shades of green. When the coatings were fired at 400 °C, they were significantly darker than samples fired at lower temperatures, and at 500 °C some of the coatings were already starting to burn off. Most coatings withstood scratching relatively well, and the colours did not immediately wash off. However, many of the coatings would flake a bit. The whey and rice coatings in particular were susceptible to flaking. The dark coatings produced by higher firing temperatures tended to stick better onto the ceramic than the lighter coatings produced by lower firing temperatures. It is difficult to say how well the coatings withstand the passage of time due to the short duration of the study. Because of their fragility, the coatings serve little to no purpose functionally, however, they can be used in ceramic art. Due to the heat sensitivity of the coatings, it is recommended that the coatings be fired in such a way that the change in colour and form can be monitored if specific outcomes are to be achieved.

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Keywords

ceramics, pottery, protein, glaze, seal, coating, keramiikka, proteiini, pinnoite, lasite

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Citation

Rantala, Alarik. 2022. Using Proteins as Coatings on Ceramics. 29.