Project Title
Abstract/Description
Cobalt is currently the most commonly used blue colorant for ceramic glazes, however due to its toxicity in powder form there is a need for an alternative. Molybdenum, more specifically molybdenum oxide, is one alternative that has shown promise. This research is aimed at the direct incorporation of reduced molybdenum clusters into the glaze matrix. Two compounds have been synthesized that exhibit an intense blue color, Na15[MoVI126MoV28O457H14(H2O)70]0.5-[MoVI124MoV28O427H14(H2O)68]0.5 and Na21[MoVI126MoV28O462H14(H2O)54(H2PO2)7]. These clusters were incorporated directly into the glaze and fired under a variety of conditions. Under oxidizing conditions, a series of whites, clear, and pale blue glazes were observed. Under reducing conditions gray and blue-gray glazes were obtained. Such results indicate the sensitive nature of the two compounds while under the intense oxidizing and reducing kiln atmospheres.
Recommended Citation
Fiedler, Margaret
(2009).
Singing the Moly Blues: The Direct Use of Molybdenum Clusters as a Precursor to the Development of Molybdenum Blue Glazes.
Undergraduate Review, 5, 37-43.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev/vol5/iss1/10
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Articles published in The Undergraduate Review are the property of the individual contributors and may not be reprinted, reformatted, repurposed or duplicated, without the contributor’s consent.