Researching cellulose mixed ceramic structures and raku firing techniques on artistic aspect

Aim of this study is, researching Raku firing, which is one of the reduced atmosphere firingtechniques, for cellulose mixed ceramic structures on artistic aspect. In this study, willow clay, Almanpınarı red clay, fire clay, ECS – 1 akçini ceramic clay, tissue and newsprint with different cellulose ratios, cotton and cellulose as additives, oxides for glazes are used. Raku furnace is also used for glazing. First of all, papers were weighed with different percentages and were put inside the water for soaking. Then, papers were transformed into pulp by blender. Cotton and cellulose were weighed for certain ratios, afterwards, they were soaked for a while and then were mixed with ceramic clays. Experimental cases, have been shaped as sphere form with plate method. Bisque firing, has been performed in electrical furnace between 900 oC – 980 oC and 1050 o C according to the characteristics of clay structure. Glaze firing has been made inside the Raku furnace. Consequently, strength of the ceramic products that are produced from additives and raw materials had been improved before firing. Both ceramic structures had been lightened up to additive ratio and pores had been formed after bisque firing. After raku firing with reduced atmosphere, metallic appearance had been obtained at glazed regions and smutty appearance has been sighted at unglazed regions inside the pores. Finally, there were no problem that had been encountered while firing cellulose mixed ceramic structures with raku firing. KeyWords. Cellulose, ceramic, rakufiring, clay