ABSTRACT

Since the advent of ceramics as a course of study in Nigeria, ceramists have continued to encounter problems with kiln. With the current economic situation it is not possible to come across a foreign kiln like electric kiln or gas kiln. Nor could it be possible for young ceramic graduates who have recently left their institutions to lay hands on such foreign Kilns. This study aims at tackling the problem of Kiln by designing and constructing an alternative kiln as immediate need of school leavers. The researcher approaches this problem through the concept of charcoal stove. To lower the cost the researcher has explored the use of locally available and affordable materials like Carrims, Metal sheets for kiln chamber and charcoal as the source of fuel. However, through series of experiments the researcher discovered a design of a charcoal kiln that could vitrify ceramic bisque at 1210 C. He further recommended that sagas could be used in such charcoal kiln gloss firing. The enormous academic importance of the charcoal kiln has encouraged the researcher to discover lately the following factors: a The provision of charging zone on the topmost rim; b The possibility of continuous firing; and c The advantage of using different sizes of rims, ranging from Carrims to Lorryrims with their large spaces for more charcoal and more heat energy. Good manipulation of the kiln has been found useful in foundry technology.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The young ceramic designer has encountered the unavailability of a cheap

and affordable kiln as a problem. However, such problem has to be addressed

seriously since he cannot commence production without a kiln. Right from

antiquity man has been confronted with the problem of sorts and his most

important challenge is how to solve such problems Okeke 2001: 1. Some of

these problems can be his immediate needs. Physical needs or huge capital to

set up immediate business are mostly utmost desires of young designers from

higher institutions. Professional ones amongst them would require cheaper

equipments to tackle their problems root and branch.

It would sound ridiculous if a young ceramic designer enriched with a

huge capital goes for importation of foreign material only to take off at the

initial stage of his business. Judicious expenditure demands for alternative

material or equipment within his reach. In this vein, the study looks at the

problem of young ceramic designers, and also takes some basic requirements,

such as kiln accessories into consideration.

Having observed that kiln is their basic need, the study reveals a designed

and constructed kiln. However, it is a kiln that fires well after series of ...Get Complete Material.