Chamotte-tempered clay bodies because of their improved dimensional stability and regulated drying and firing behavior, have become the material of choice for large-scale and structurally challenging clay sculpture. This study assesses the effects of chamotte particle size, content, and physical properties on mechanical performance, shrinkage, and workability in sculptural clay compositions. The use of chamotte, an inert, pre-fired grog, minimizes warpage and cracking in large or intricate sculptural shapes by drastically reducing drying and firing shrinkage. For outdoor installations and high-temperature artistic procedures, refractory inclusions also improve handling stability, load-bearing capability after firing, and tolerance to abrupt temperature changes. Coarse chamotte was shown to improve stiffness and sustain massive shapes, while finer chamotte boosted strength and enabled accurate detailing, according to experimentally obtained performance data and findings published in the ceramic literature. The findings highlight how crucial it is to choose the right chamotte grading and content in order to attain a harmonious blend of workability, structural dependability, and long-term durability. In order to assist artists, designers, and conservators in creating optimal clay bodies for sophisticated sculptural applications, this study offers a useful framework based on materials science.

Keywords: Chamotte-tempered clay, Sculptural workability, Shrinkage, Structural stiffness.