Kaolin, a mineral additive, AKA China clay, is nearly white in color and is considered as one of the most used mineral additives or filler or pigment depending upon the usage. Its fine particle size and pure coloring distinguish it from other industrial clays. Its ability to disperse in water makes it an ideal pigment and a recommended mineral additive.
The primary constituent in kaolin is the mineral kaolinite, a hydrous aluminum silicate formed by the decomposition of minerals such as feldspar. Kaolinite has a low shrink-swell capacity and a low cation-exchange capacity (1–15 meq/100 g) and its chemical name is: Al2Si2O5(OH)4
Kaolin: Origin of the white additive
The name kaolin derives from the Chinese and means high ridge. High ridge is a reference to the hill in south-eastern China where the clay was originally discovered and used. In the 7th and 8th centuries, the Chinese were the first to use kaolin as a mineral additive to make porcelain. It was not until centuries later that other areas of the world could duplicate the process.
Characterization
The white color of this mineral additive can either be naturally occurring or can result after processing which removes minerals and other color-bearing compounds. The small particle size of the mineral additive contributes to its white color by scattering light.
Kaolin deposits with suitable whiteness, viscosity, and other favorable characteristics are rare, Although, are found throughout the world. Ironically, the best deposits are not located in China. The United States has high-quality deposits in the Southeast. The mineral has been mined since colonial times in Georgia and South Carolina. Other valuable deposits are located in Brazil and the United Kingdom. India has its reserves/resources of KAOLIN in states like Kerala, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Odisha, and Karnataka.
Applications of Kaolin/ China Clay:
In rubber industries:
To improve the mechanical strength and resistance to abrasion, a considerable quantity of kaolin is used for filling rubbers. For this purpose, the clay used must be extremely pure kaolinite and exceedingly fine-grained.
In Drug and Pharma industries:
Kaolin is used for the manufacturing of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products like face powder, talcum powder, toothpaste, tooth powder, adhesives, surgical plaster, lotion, and ointment for external use and porcelain in dental preparation.
In paint industries:
Kaolin is used in white paint. It is also used in oil paint owing to its high oil absorption. It is used as an extender or a suspending agent in oil paints and as pigments in water paints or distempers. Kaolin has properties such as white color, easy dispersion, anti-settling, and chemical inertness, which are the main criteria for its use in paint industries.
In ceramic industries:
The word ceramic is derived from the Greek word “Keramos” which originally meant fired and fused common clays. The manufacturing consists of mixing China clay, quartz or silica, and other types of clay, feldspar, and some flux with water. This mixture is well ground, thoroughly stirred up, filtered, pressed, and molded into the required shape. It is then dried and fired at a temperature ranging from 1200⁰ to 1500⁰ Celsius.
In plastic industries:
Kaolin is used as a functional extender for adding strength, electrical resistance (important in PVC cable covers), and gloss. China Clay has Low specific gravity, fine particle size, high dispersion, poor electrical conductivity, high reflectivity, low water absorption (i.e. low shrinkage on drying), and inertness which are the important criteria for this application. In polythene film, Kaolin can enhance absorption characteristics. During the curing process of polyester resin, the intensity of the exothermic reaction is to some extent contained by china clay by virtue of its water content.
In Paper industries:
Kaolin serves as a paper coating that enhances the paper’s appearance by adding brightness, smoothness, and gloss. It also improves printability. In the paper industry, Kaolin is used as a white filler as it increases opacity, printability, gloss, and brightness. Approximately 40 percent of the kaolin produced worldwide is used in the filling and coating of paper. In coating, the kaolin is plated along with an adhesive on the paper’s surface to give the gloss, color, high opacity, and greater printability. Kaolin used for coating is prepared so that most of the kaolinite particles are less than two micrometers in diameter.
Other uses of Kaolin:
Kaolin is used in combination with Ochre to derive a wide range of color pigments for multiple applications. Kaolin with Red or yellow ochre is extensively used for coloring roofing tiles, concrete, and slabs, cement flooring tiles, glass, ceramics, paper, plastics, pharma, etc.
Where to find Kaolin:
Jagdamba Minerals is one of the Leading Manufacturers of Kaolin in Rajasthan and the quality of Kaolin clay produced is top grade suited for varied industries.
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