Martinón-Torres, M., Freestone, Ian Charles, Hunt, A. and Rehren, T. 2008. Mass-produced mullite crucibles in medieval Europe: manufacture and material properties. Journal of the American Ceramic Society 91 (6) , pp. 2071-2074. 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2008.02383.x |
Abstract
Crucibles from the German region of Hesse have been famous since the Middle Ages due to their exceptional quality, regarded by many as a mystery. We analyzed 50 Hessian and non-Hessian archeological crucibles using SEM-EDS, FESEM, and XRD to investigate their technology and material properties. It was revealed that Hessian crucibles were systematically made of kaolinitic clay with a low flux content, mixed with quartz sand, and fired to temperatures in excess of 1300°C. Primary mullite developed in most of the glass matrix, with secondary mullite in some regions of clay–feldspar relict mixtures. Consequently, the vessels showed superior creep and thermal shock resistance, high-temperature strength, and thermal and chemical refractoriness. These crucibles represent the earliest industrial exploitation of mullite in Europe, which explains their historical success.
Item Type: | Article |
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Date Type: | Publication |
Status: | Published |
Schools: | History, Archaeology and Religion |
Publisher: | Wiley-Blackwell |
ISSN: | 1551-2916 |
Last Modified: | 19 Mar 2016 22:22 |
URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/13691 |
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