Observation of Surface Structure of Kyo-Kawara (Ceramic Material for Roof Component) Fabricated by Traditional Skillful Technique

Kyo-gawara is one of traditional crafts, one of Japanese roof tile made in Kyoto by using traditional techniques. The characteristics of Kyo-gawara is gloss on surface available in “Migaki” process. Migaki process is that craftsman strokes half-dry surface with paddle one by one. Number of products that a craftsman has to finish the process is decided. In previous study, investigation about the relationship between number of times of Migaki process and surface properties of Kyo-gawara cannot be seen [1]. In this study, specimens having different number of time of Migaki process (none, once, twice) were used, surface structure and properties were analyzed, and investigation about the relationship between Migaki process and surface characteristics was performed. Measurement items are surface roughness (Ra), contact angle, water absorption. As a result, surface roughness tended to decrease, and with increase of number of times of Migaki process. From the result of measurement of contact angle and water absorption, it was clarified that Migaki could improve waterproofness.Copyright © 2011 by ASME