The Potential of Local Clay as Alternative Body for Ceramic Craft: A Case Study in Sabak Bernam

Abstract

Clay is the main material in ceramic manufacturing and is an integral raw material for some refractories. The specialty of character in clay body, the entire world made it an important commodity. Ceramic manufacturing is one of the largest industries in Malaysia. This is related to the amount of ceramic raw materials itself that supports the development of the industry. Moreover, the contribution of artist and researcher is one of the factors of this improvement. The development of clay was enhanced by ceramic production whether by large- or small-scale industries. Through appropriate study in conducting research and development on clay will enable ceramic artist, academician, and university students to embark new sources of clay for ceramic production. Sabak Bernam is one of the areas that is currently active in making ceramic craft. There have abundant sources of materials at their area but has not been studied the usage and potential of the clay for ceramics. The objective of this research is to study the potential of clay at Sabak Bernam for craft production. The methodology of this research is a comparison study between clay at Sabak Bernam and Sayong clay. It started with collecting materials in a specific area in Sabak Bernam. Through appropriate study on laboratory experiment will determined the physical characteristic of clay. Therefore, clay study will through the ceramic fabricating which is press mold technique is to determine the performance of the clay. A result of the development of clay at Sabak Bernam will enhance the ceramic craft production specifically in that area. Hence, the Sabak Bernam clay will be commercial such as Sayong clay in Malaysia.