Grog

Grog

Grog is a term used in the field of ceramics to refer to a type of clay body that has been fired and then ground into a fine powder. This powder is then used as a non-plastic additive in ceramic clay bodies to reduce shrinkage, improve thermal shock resistance, and enhance the overall strength of the finished ceramic piece. The incorporation of grog into clay bodies is a technique that has been used for centuries, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations. The process of creating grog involves selecting and firing clay to a high temperature, typically above 1000°C, until it reaches a state of complete vitrification. The fired clay is then allowed to cool before being ground into a fine, consistent powder. The particle size of the grog can vary depending on the desired properties of the final clay body, with coarser grog providing more structural support and finer grog contributing to a smoother surface texture. Grog is often used in combination with other additives, such as sand or feldspar, to create clay bodies with specific performance characteristics suited to different types of ceramic applications, from functional pottery to sculptural artworks.

ceramics, clay body, non-plastic additive, shrinkage reduction, thermal shock resistance, strength enhancement, vitrification, particle size

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Grog.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/grog?E=434173 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"