Firing Temperature Analysis of Ancient potsherds from Odugathur,Vellore Dist, Tamilnadu, India by TG-DTA Technique

Firing is the key proces in potery production. Firing temperature analysis of the poteries may be used to ases the basic properties of the matrix and its temper. TGA-DTA study is commonly employed to thermal studies of potsherds to estimate the firng temperature. In the present work, thermogravimetry (TG) and diferential thermal analysis were caried out for potery samples recovered from the ancient setlements of Odugathur. The TG?DTG curves were obtained in the temperature range 0?100°C. Thermal analysis results howed larger mas los at dehydration than dehydroxylation and the organic material is used in the making of the potery. From the analysis Odugathur potsherds were fired below 80°C.