Thermal behavior of nano-silver clay in the application of handmade jewelry

Nano-silver clay was utilized to be the alternative material for hand making jewelry products. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous solution by the chemical reduction method. The clay-liked feature of silver nanoparticles was accomplished by mixing the nano-sized silver with organic binders and water. Analysis of the firing transformation and microstructure of nano-silver clay was carried by differential thermal profile and SEM. The results revealed that the sintering temperature of the nano-silver clay was initiated at lower temperature (ca. 250 °C) than that of bulk silver metal. The optimal condition of the heating process of nano-silver clay for jewelry application was investigated. The optimal condition of the firing temperature was above 600 °C with the heating rate of 10 °C/min and the holding time 60 min. Herein, nano-silver clay offers not only clay-liked feature, which is proper for molded jewelry body by hand, but also the mechanical property is good enough for wearable jewelry body.