الإنتاج الكمي للخزف الصناعي في السودان : المعوقات و الحلول

الملخص EN

This study aims at identifying mass-production constraints of industrial ceramics in Sudan and tries best to explore possible solutions to these constraints.Following a descriptive-analytical method, the study utilized questionnaires, interviews and observation as tools to measure the statistical fit with the objectives of the study.

Necessary procedures were considered in order to test the trueness of these tools, its statistical consistency and comprehensiveness.In the first phase of the study, a preliminary questionnaire was designed to identify areas that need to be measured in order to establish basis for ceramics industry in Sudan.

A large number of experts in different influential specializations were surveyed, and the proposed areas of study were adopted based on the outcome of arbitration.

Accordingly, the researcher designed the main questionnaire which consisted of thirty-one phrases distributed within the five hypotheses of the study.The main questionnaire was offered for the jury to test its statistical credibility and validity of expressions in terms of writing and clarity, and for assessment and approval.

One hundred questionnaires were distributed to potters, designers, civil engineers, chemists and geologists (the community of the study).

All of the questionnaires were fully responded to and none was lost or returned unfilled.

The study sample was selected according to certain measures that stressed diversity of specializations and professions.In addition to that, another sample group of locally potters and producers were interviewed and their responses were combined with the latter to complete the overall sample that meets the suggested hypothesis.To obtain the most accurate results, statistical analysis was done with the aid of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), while charts and diagrams were done with the aid of Microsoft Excel.The most important results of this study were obtained through field research in the ceramic markets of Khartoum state.

It was made clear to the researcher that locally made ceramics are mainly floor and wall tiles which is being manufactured by (Salome), in Khartoum North and (RAK) in Gary village north of Khartoum North.

The two plants produce average quality tiles and good quality ones.

High quality tiles are sold inside the plant because of lack of demand which in turn raises the prices tremendously.

However, demand is escalating among Sudanese consumers for low quality ceramics which is produced in response to the immediate market needs.Previous studies of the geochemical analysis proved that the largest concentration of kaolin found in Meroe (% 77.84) in northern Sudan.

Other excavated kaolin of Al-Jeraif and Umm Ali, Sheikh Al-havian, Salwa and Naqaa, in central Sudan, also proved to be suitable for producing average quality ceramics after certain water treatments.The researcher has faced some difficulties in getting information from some of the owners of small pottery workshops and certain local producers because they feared taxation procedures and official and fraud levies.

The study outlined some recommendations for developing an industrial base for ceramic production in Sudan as follows:Local raw kaolin materials should be processed and used to produce quality ceramic products in Sudan.

Workers should be given opportunities for technical training and employment in order to effectively contribute to the development of the industry.

Constraints and obstacles that preclude investment efforts should be removed, and businessmen should be directed to invest in ceramic industry.

Sudanese designers should be offered opportunities and granted freedom to participate effectively in the design of locally produced products.

Old fashion beliefs and stereotyped ideas about the use and need for ceramics among both the public and officials should be changed through spreading awareness of the value and validity of ceramic production and use.

The study has also outlined some recommendations for further research related to this topic.