Wollastonite

The acicular morphology of wollastonite acts as a reinforcing filler, similar to ceramic fibres. During firing, the needle-like particles interlock within the ceramic matrix, deflecting propagating cracks and improving the tensile and flexural strength of the fired ceramic body.

Wollastonite does not shrink significantly during firing as it is already in its fired calcium silicate form. It also buffers against differential shrinkage in the ceramic body, reducing warpage and dimensional change — particularly beneficial in fast-firing tile production where dimensional tolerance is critical.

Yes. Wollastonite helps reduce firing temperature and time requirements. Its pre-reacted CaO-SiO₂ chemistry means less energy is needed for glass phase formation, and its effect on reducing shrinkage allows faster cooling rates without dimensional defects, enabling faster firing cycles in tile manufacturing.

In glaze formulations, wollastonite provides a stable CaO-SiO₂ source that improves glaze melt fluidity, reduces surface tension, and promotes even spreading of the glaze melt. This results in a smoother, more consistent glaze surface with fewer pinholes or crawling defects.

Wollastonite is most beneficial in fast-firing floor and wall tile bodies (for shrinkage control and strength), tile glaze and engobe formulations (for surface finish), and in sanitaryware and tableware glaze compounds where both CaO and SiO₂ are required together.