The process of choosing the right type of kaolin clay can be quite challenging at times. It has to be noted that there are certain characteristics required for different uses. As specialists, we are fully aware of the problems that you might face when choosing something.
A disadvantage is that if the wrong type of clay is chosen this will lead to the production of poor quality goods. You must establish the kind of clay you need and the properties associated with it to achieve the best outcomes according to your needs. As for the types of kaolin clay, many industries still need to be convinced which are the most useful.
As a kaolin clay manufacturer, we understand your need to acquire high-quality and efficient raw materials. The right choice of kaolin clay will positively influence the productivity of your product and its lifespan.
In the following blog, you will learn how to choose the right kaolin clay. We are here for your help in selecting the best kaolin clay for your desired uses.
Understand the Types of Kaolin Clay
Selecting the right type of kaolin china clay is essential for your application. Different types offer unique benefits. Here are the types of kaolin clay and their key properties.
Hard Kaolin
Hard kaolin clay is a natural clay that has a small particle size. It is seldom less than two micrometers in diameter.
- It is employed as a bulking agent and reinforcement agent for elastomers and latexes.
- Enhances the rigidity, tensile strength, and also the surface abrasion resistance of rubber materials.
- Improves the rubber products’ modulus thus increasing the products’ strength.
Hard kaolin clay is also known as kaolin reinforcing filler. It is best for the rubber industry.
Calcined China Clay
Calcined china clay commonly referred to as metakaolin is a white powder that is non-plastic. It is made from natural kaolin through a process of calcination, which is heating at very high temperatures. Chemically bound water molecules are also removed in this process.
- It is employed in glazes to decrease the overall shrinkage that happens in the drying as well as the firing stages.
- Used widely in the paper industry to enhance the brightness and to give a smooth surface.
- Improves the strength and longevity of ceramic-based goods.
This type of kaolin clay can be used in many industries as it is multipurpose.
Applied in coatings, paints, and rubber, calcined kaolin is a kaolin that has been heated to improve its characteristics.
Water-Washed Kaolin
Hydrous clay also called water-washed kaolin is the process of refining kaolin with water. This process yields a slurry that has to be treated to eliminate unwanted particles.
- They have 14% of bound water of hydration and retain all the original characteristics.
- Suits the creation of high-quality porcelain, given its level of purity.
- It has applications in the paper industry, rubber industry, paint industry, and coating industry.
This type of kaolin clay provides high brightness and is pure.
Each type of kaolin clay serves specific purposes. Choose the right type for optimal results.
Evaluate Key Properties
High-brightness kaolin is essential for applications like paper and cosmetics. Fine particle size is crucial for smooth textures in paints and cosmetics. High-purity kaolin ensures superior quality and performance in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
- Kaolin clay manufacturers provide kaolin with specific properties for diverse industrial needs.
- Plasticity is important for ceramics and other molded products, enhancing workability.
- High brightness improves the visual appeal and effectiveness of paper and ceramics.
- For paints and coatings to have smooth textures, fine particle size is essential.
- The benefits of kaolin clay include improved product strength, durability, and smoothness.
Think about kaolin clay’s brightness, purity, plasticity, and particle size when assessing it. Its adaptability to various uses is determined by these characteristics, which guarantee top quality and performance in paint, ceramic, and paper products.
Determine Your Application Requirements
Understanding your specific needs is essential for choosing the right china clay. Different applications require different properties. Here are the key factors to consider.
Paper Industry
Kaolin is essential in paper filling and coating, improving quality and reducing costs. It enhances paper brightness, smoothness, and opacity, making it a key component in the paper industry. In both filling and coating, kaolin clay provides numerous benefits that enhance the final product.
- Paper filled with kaolin clay is bright, smooth, and has high opacity.
- Used as a filler, it reduces production costs and enhances paper brightness.
- High-brightness kaolin is vital for paper coating, requiring over 90% GE brightness.
- Kaolin clay manufacturers supply both calcined and hydrous kaolin for various paper applications.
Calcined and hydrous kaolin clay is best suited for the paper industry.
Ceramics
Kaolin is highly valued in ceramics for its plasticity and strength, essential for molding and firing. It ensures smooth textures and workability in clay bodies.
- Using Kaolin clay in ceramics provides outstanding thermal stability when fired.
- It maintains color stability, which is crucial for aesthetic ceramic products.
- Used in sanitaryware, tableware, tiles, and electrical porcelains.
- Offers high workability, rheology, and mechanical strength in various shaping methods.
To produce high-quality ceramics, you need clay with good dry strength, excellent particle packing, and outstanding whiteness. This type of clay, combined with high plasticity and strength, ensures superior ceramic products. Calcined kaolin is often the best choice for ceramics.
Paints and Coatings
Calcined kaolin is the most commonly used type in paints and coatings. It adds desired rheological properties, maintaining dispersion and providing body to the product.
- Reduces the consumption of expensive pigments like titanium dioxide (TiO2).
- Enhances processing, storage, and application properties of the paint film.
- Provides good dispersibility and particle size distribution for a smooth finish.
- Kaolin clay uses include acting as a filler and pigment in paint formulations.
Kaolin is suitable for architectural paints, especially non-gloss interior wall products. Its hydrophilic characteristic makes it ideal for emulsion paints. It matches the particle size of titanium dioxide, simplifying precise paint formulations.
Rubber
Kaolin clay is crucial in rubber for its reinforcing properties and abrasion resistance. It improves the stiffness, tensile strength, and modulus of rubber compounds. Water-washed grades are used in extrusions due to freedom from grit.
- Kaolin clay used in rubber provides high abrasion resistance for non-black rubber goods.
- Calcined kaolin is used in heavy-duty insulation rubber for enhanced durability.
- Soft kaolin grades are used in household products, toys, and rubber clothing.
- Surface-treated kaolin is increasingly in demand in rubber for specific applications.
Air-floated hard kaolin is commonly used in rubber, contributing to its mechanical properties and longevity.
Consult the kaolin clay manufacturer for detailed specifications. Ensure the chosen kaolin clay meets all your application requirements.
Conclusion
At The Sharad Group, we offer high-quality levigated kaolin clay made in modern facilities. Our products cater to diverse industries, ensuring superior performance and reliability.
- Kaolin china clay manufacturers like us guarantee top-grade materials for various applications.
- We use state-of-the-art technology for advanced mineral processing.
- With 64 years of experience, we provide consistent and trusted products.
Choose The Sharad Group for your kaolin clay needs. Our experts can aid you in selecting the best type of kaolin clay for your application. Trust us for high-quality, reliable kaolin clay solutions tailored to your requirements.
