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Luster decoration of ceramics: mechanisms of metallic luster formation

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Abstract

Luster is a metallic decoration produced since early Islamic times (9th century AD in Iraq). Different studies have shown that medieval lusters are a metal-glass nanocomposite (metal nanoparticles embodied in a silica glassy matrix) obtained from the reaction of a copper and/or silver containing paint with a glaze. The mechanisms of formation of these metallic-like layers are investigated by laboratory reproductions of Medieval luster. Copper and silver lusters are obtained based on different thermal paths and atmospheres, and by using different glaze compositions. The ionic exchange between Cu+ and Ag+ ions from the luster paint with Na+ and K+ of the glaze, is demonstrated in either oxidizing or inert atmospheres and at firing temperatures between 500 °C and 600 °C. The reduction of copper and silver to their metallic state is obtained by introducing a reducing gas afterwards. The lusters are non-metallic red ruby copper or green with brown spots silver when developed over alkaline glazes, while they appear coppery and golden metallic when developed over mixed alkaline-lead glazes. SR-XRD, optical absorption and microprobe chemical analysis of the lusters indicate that the total amount of copper and silver, and the nature and size of the nanoparticles, are similar in both cases. Further work is needed to clarify the origin of these differences.

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Correspondence to T. Pradell.

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PACS

81.05.Pj; 81.07.b; 81.16.Be; 78.67.Bf; 42.50.Fx

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Pradell, T., Molera, J., Bayés, C. et al. Luster decoration of ceramics: mechanisms of metallic luster formation. Appl. Phys. A 83, 203–208 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-006-3508-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-006-3508-1

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