This study aims to explore the feasibility of reproducing the coloration of traditional
blue-white porcelain glazes and expanding the use of sustainable materials by utilizing
corn stalk ash, an agricultural by-product generated in Goesan-gun, Chungch...
This study aims to explore the feasibility of reproducing the coloration of traditional
blue-white porcelain glazes and expanding the use of sustainable materials by utilizing
corn stalk ash, an agricultural by-product generated in Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do.
Base glaze systems were formulated using feldspar–corn stalk ash–limestone and
feldspar–silica–corn stalk ash ternary compositions. Additional experiments using
lithium feldspar and nepheline syenite, along with Fe2O3 additive tests, were conducted
to investigate melting behavior and color variation.
In the base experiments, replacing silica with corn stalk ash served as a secondary
flux and chromophore stabilizer, resulting in transparent, stable blue-white coloration,
whereas replacing limestone produced matte surfaces and darker tones due to limited
fluxing behavior. Depending on the firing atmosphere (oxidation/reduction), the glaze
color spectrum expanded from yellowish-white to bluish-white and celadon-like
greenish-blue.
For the specimens (S1–S5) that exhibited the most stable blue-white visual results,
CIE Lab* colorimetry, XRD, and SEM-EDS analyses were performed. S3 achieved
the most balanced tone (L* 82.55, a* −4.42, b* 0.42), closely aligned with the
neutral axis, representing the most successful reproduction of the subtle and clear
aesthetic of traditional blue-white ware. Crystalline phase transitions (Wollastonite →
Quartz → Cristobalite → graphitic carbon → re-stabilized Quartz) contributed to
stabilized glass formation and improved clarity. SEM-EDS confirmed dense and
homogeneous glassy microstructures in S3–S5, resulting in high gloss, smooth surface,
and stable coloration.
Particularly, Fe2O3 contained in corn stalk ash (approx. 1.13 wt%) played a key
role as an intrinsic chromophore. The change in oxidation state of iron ions (Fe3⁺/Fe2
⁺), controlled by oxygen partial pressure (Po2) during firing, enabled subtle blue-white
hues without the intentional addition of external coloring oxides. Additionally, multiple
inorganic constituents (SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, K2O, Na2O) contained in the ash
contributed to improved melt fluidity, color stability, and surface quality compared with
single Fe2O3-doping approaches.
In conclusion, corn stalk ash is an effective functional raw material that
simultaneously contributes to coloration and glass-phase stabilization, while providing a
sustainable pathway for high-value resource recycling of agricultural waste. This study
provides practical and experimental evidence for the contemporary reinterpretation and
application of traditional blue-white porcelain glazes.