Red clay based cookware replaces traditional utensils
Disna MUDALIGE
A high thermal shock resistant red clay based cookware has been
developed by the Materials Technology Section of the Industrial
Technology Institute (ITI). These cookware are light in weight and thin
walled. This is introduced as a replacement for traditional cookware and
as a partial replacement for aluminium cookware.
This is produced by mixing locally available mineral with a suitable
frit. "This has potential for large energy savings due to the low wall
thickness and relatively fast heat transfer during cooking. Thus a pot
of rice or water will boil in a significantly less time when using this
product.
The cookware developed is non toxic has no adverse effects on human
health.
This product is significantly superior in terms of strength, surface
finish and thermal shock resistance in comparison with traditional clay
cookware," ITI Research Officer Asanka Premathilake said.
"High thermal shock resistance and light weight red clay cookware are
emerging technologies, which will open new avenues for red clay
manufacturers and reduce health hazards in cooked food.
The product is made using an eco-friendly production process called
drain casting, in comparison with the aluminium casting process. The
capital cost is low and production process is simple in comparison to
aluminium casting. This has relatively a low raw material cost" he said.
Aluminium cookware is widely used in domestic and commercial cooking
applications. Issues of health and toxicity in use of such cookware have
been reported.
The invented product is non-toxic and safe to use in this
application. The aluminium casting process also generates high heat and
chemical fumes which adversely effect the working environment.
"This will reduce aluminium cookware usage. It will benefit the
country by reducing aluminium imports and improving public health. It
also generates employment through creation of new industries,"
Premathilake said.
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