What is 'plastic memory and how is it found in clay terms?

Answer 1

THE CLAY PARTICLE

When we look at clay through an electron microscope, the clay

particles seen as a thin hexagonal plate, approximately 100

times longer than it is thick. (Note: Richard Burkett has

placed an image file of clay particles as seen under an electron

microscope in another directory of the Ceramics Gopher at SDSU.)

When we add the water of plasticity to the dry clay, moisture

between the flat plates creates a surface tension attraction so

that the particles do not easily pull apart, but they slide

easily over one another. The flat shape of the clay particle

and the surface tension when water is added gives the strength

and plasticity which we associate with clay in its workable state.

* http://ceramics.sdsu.edu/articles/glaze_tech/basic_clays.html

Answer 2

Plastic memory refers to the characteristic of a material to retain its shape or form after being manipulated or stretched. In clay terms, plastic memory can be observed when clay retains its shape or position after being molded or sculpted by the artist. This property allows the clay to hold intricate details and maintain its structure throughout the drying and firing process.