Selected instrumental techniques [dilatometry, thermogravimetry mass spectrometry (TG-MS), and variable temperature diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (VT-DRIFTS)] have been used to investigate the role of moisture in the rehydroxylation reaction which causes expansion and mass gain in fired clay ceramics. The temperature range over which adsorbed water molecules and structural hydroxyl groups are desorbed from fired clay ceramic as it is reheated, and the nature of the structural hydroxyls that are formed as the ceramic is cooled and then held under controlled conditions have been explored. The mass chromatogram for m/z similar to=similar to 18, supported by VT-DRIFTS, showed that physisorbed water molecules were removed from the ceramic at about 105 degrees C, whereas strongly bound molecules of water and structural hydroxyls were held to =500 degrees C. Dilatometry revealed a marked contraction of the ceramic between 200 degrees C and 330 degrees C which corresponded to loss of strongly bound molecules of water. The VT-DRIFTS also showed that the interaction of water molecules with the ceramic body following reheating occurred in two stages and confirmed the kinetic law previously derived from mass gain and moisture expansion in fired clay ceramics.