Saman Tree Ash for Stoneware Glaze

Generally, Saman tree is a plant in the Fabaceae. (Leguminosae) subfamily Minosoideae in a large tree. There are many branches with small leaves, pink flowers with a seed pod of pink flesh..Therefore, branch and leaves of Saman tree were left and considered as unwanted materials. They were destroyed via the waste combustion process. Then, the Saman tree ash was become residues. In order to protect the environment and to increase the valuable of the bottom ash from Saman tree, the Saman tree ash glaze in Ratchaburi potteries was performed using triaxial diagram. The clay in this stoneware was chosen from Ratchaburi Province. After that, the glazing formula was then created. The gas kiln was selected. The temperature of reduction fire for glazing was 1,250 degree Celsius. The fifteen testing formula were tested by the variation of Saman tree ash, soda feldspar, and kaolin. The suitable ratio among of glaze formula Saman tree ash : soda feldspar : kaolin was Saman tree ash 5:3:2, respectively. The Stoneware prototypes were shaped as tea set by the throwing method. The results showed that the glaze of all products was glossy with light-green colour. This developed glazing process was well performed in the Ratchaburi pottery industries. In addition, the mixing between Saman tree ash and metal oxides are under investigation to create a variety of color shades.