The firing shrinkage of a clay is usually about the same as the drying shrinkage. Total shrinkage will usually be about 8-12%. The next stage that happens during the firing process is vitrification. This is the hardening, tightening and finally the partial glassification of the clay. Vitrification results from fusions or melting of the various components of the clay.
Middlesboro (local /ËmÉªdÉlzbÉrÉ/) is a home rule-class city in Bell County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 10,334 at the 2010 U.S. census, while its micropolitan area had a population of 69,060. It is located 1 mile west of the Cumberland Gap and is the largest city in southeastern Kentucky. It is located entirely between Pine Mountain and the Cumberland Mountains in the Middlesboro Basin, which geologists believe to be an enormous meteor crater (one of three known astroblemes in the state).
Barbourville is a city in Knox County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 3,589 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Knox County. Barbourville is home to Union College and the Appalachian Children's Home. Barbourville is located at 36Â°51â²40â³N 83Â°52â²46â³W / 36.86111Â°N 83.87944Â°W / 36.86111; -83.87944 (36.861027, -83.879550).