Sustainable Ceramic Glaze Systems: Design, Production, and Psycho-Physical Evaluation

Thesis Abstract

The rapid depletion of natural glaze resources and rising environmental concerns surrounding ceramic production necessitate a transformative approach to glaze design that minimizes ecological impact while maintaining or enhancing aesthetic and functional performance. This study addresses the problem of unsustainable glaze systems by developing a holistic framework for sustainable glaze design, production, and psycho-physical evaluation that integrates material science, environmental assessment, and user-centered perception. The aim is to produce a replicable methodology for creating low-toxicity, energy-efficient glaze formulations that meet performance standards and are perceived positively by both expert and lay users. Specific objectives include (1) to identify and quantify environmental and health-related hazards associated with conventional glazes and to establish target reductions in emissions, energy use, and waste; (2) to design a library of glaze formulations utilizing locally sourced, low-toxicity oxide precursors and alternative fluxes aligned with material compatibility constraints of stoneware and porcelain bodies; (3) to characterize rheological, thermal, and microstructural properties of proposed glazes using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheometry; (4) to evaluate functional performance through glaze adhesion testing, thermal shock resistance, gloss, and glaze fit metrics across a set of firing schedules; (5) to assess psycho-physical responses to glaze aesthetics and perceived quality using a mixed-methods approach combining sensory tests with a structured questionnaire anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior and Köhler’s perceptual theory; (6) to model relationships between glaze compositional variables, environmental impacts, and perceptual outcomes using multivariate regression and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM); and (7) to formulate a design framework and guidelines for sustainable glaze development applicable to contemporary ceramic studios and small-to-medium manufacturing. The research adopts a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. The population comprises ceramic artists, technicians, and glaze chemists (n=120) across three regional studios, with a purposive subsample of 40 participants participating in sensory evaluations. A two-phase data collection process is employed. Phase one collects quantitative data on environmental indicators (embodied energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage) for conventional versus proposed glaze formulations, measured through life cycle assessment (LCA) and standardized lab testing in accordance with ISO 14040/44. Phase two gathers qualitative data via semi-structured interviews and focus groups to explore perceptual attributes and acceptance drivers, analyzed through thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke’s approach. Instrument validity and reliability are established through pilot testing (n=15), Cronbach’s alpha for survey scales, and inter-rater reliability checks for qualitative coding. Analytical techniques include regression analysis to relate compositional parameters to environmental outcomes, ANOVA to compare performance metrics across glaze groups, SEM (PLS-SEM) to test causal models linking composition, environmental impact, and psycho-physical responses, and thematic analysis for perceptual data. The study also employs lifecycle impact assessment to quantify cradle-to-gate environmental burdens, incorporating criteria such as energy intensity, emissions, and waste generation. Expected findings indicate that glaze formulations incorporating locally sourced alkaline earth oxides, ball-milled frits with reduced lead and bismuth content, and alternative fluxes (e.g., feldspar substitutes) can meet functional requirements at reduced energy consumption during firing by up to 15% and lower total embodied emissions by 20–30% relative to conventional glazes. Sensorial evaluations are anticipated to reveal statistically significant distinctions in perceived gloss, color stability, and texture, with sustainable glazes achieving comparable or superior acceptability scores when paired with adaptive ceramic bodies and firing profiles. The theoretical contribution includes the integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior with perceptual theory to model user acceptance of sustainable glaze systems, advancing understanding of how material properties translate into aesthetic satisfaction and purchase intent. The study’s model will illuminate the causal pathways from composition and processing to environmental performance and psycho-physical outcomes, offering a replicable framework for designers and producers. The contribution to knowledge comprises (1) a validated set of sustainable glaze formulations with documented performance parity or superiority to conventional systems, (2) an empirically tested design-implementation-evaluation framework for sustainable glaze development, and (3) a methodological blueprint combining LCA, material characterization, and psycho-physical evaluation for broader applicability in fine and applied arts. Conclusions emphasize that sustainability-oriented glaze design is feasible without compromising aesthetic and functional quality, and recommendations advocate for standardizing green glaze protocols, expanding locally sourced materials, and adopting UX-informed sensory evaluation in ceramics curricula and industry practice. Suggestions for further research include scaling the sustainable glaze library to industrial production contexts, exploring long-term aging effects on glaze stability, and refining predictive models for perceptual response across diverse cultural audiences.