Binders are substances that improve the mechanical strength of green ceramic bodies so they can pass through production steps, before firing, without breakage. In many cases, binder additions to bodies are essential (without them some production processes would be impossible). For instance, in the pressing process of powders, adding organic binders makes possible a forming method that is independent of the plasticity).

A normal body binder must have several characteristics:

• It must leave a minimal amount of ash after firing
• It must easily burn out at low temperature
• It cannot be abrasive
• It must improve the mechanical strength of dry pieces
• It does not cause bodies to stick to mould
• Its dispersion must be easy
• It cannot be toxic
• It does not affect the glazing stage of manufacturing
• It must be as inexpensive as possible.