Flux

Description

A substance that assists in the fusing of minerals, metals, ceramic glazes, or glass. A flux may lower the melting point, minimize surface tension, coagulate impurities or prevent the formation of oxides. Examples of fluxes are:

- Alkaline fluxes (used for glazes, glass): sodium carbonate (soda), white lead, red lead, potassium carbonate (potash), borax, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, and lithium oxide. 

- Acidic fluxes: sodium bisulfate, potassium bisulfate, and boric oxide.

- Oxidizing fluxes: sodium nitrate, sodium peroxide, and sodium chlorate.

- Reducing fluxes (used in soldering and welding): sodium carbonate, borax mixed with activated charcoal.

Synonyms and Related Terms

fondant (Fr.); fondente (It.)

Authority

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 336

• G.G. Hawley, The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Reinhold Publishing, New York, 6th ed., 1961

• Henry Hodges, Artifacts: An Introduction to Early Materials and Technology, Ronald P. Frye, Kingston, Canada, 1988

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• David Scott, 'Copper Compounds in Metals and Colorants: Oxides and Hydroxides', Studies in Conservation, 42, 93-100, 1997

• David Scott, 'Copper Compounds in Metals and Colorants: Oxides and Hydroxides', Studies in Conservation, 42, 93-100, 1997