Evidence of Tin Oxide Recrystallization in Opacified Lead Glazes

Abstract

Tin oxide (SnO2) particles that are a few hundred nanometers in size and are embedded in a lead glaze act as a white opacifier. The insolubility of SnO2 particles in a lead glaze is responsible for this microstructure. Although it is assumed that SnO2 particles do not react during the glaze formation, we demonstrate that the development of metastable phases prior to the fusion of the PbO‐SiO2‐SnO2 mixture allows the SnO2 particles to react and then recrystallize subsequent to the fusion of the mixture. The recrystallization of SnO2 occurs during heating and/or cooling until the temperature is sufficiently low and/or the tin supply is exhausted.