Kaolin

Hydrous kaolin maintains its natural water content and is widely appreciated for its excellent rheological behavior, plasticity, and workability. It provides significant benefits in formulations requiring stability and consistency, such as those used in ceramics, paper, paints, and rubber. Its high brightness and opacity improve the visual and functional qualities of end products, while its chemically inert structure allows for compatibility with a variety of additives and processing environments.

Technically, hydrous kaolin is characterized by a fine particle size distribution, with a typical residue on 325 mesh below 0.5%, ensuring smoothness and minimal abrasiveness. Whiteness values can reach up to 96%, delivering superior brightness. The material offers a stable pH and low grit content, making it highly suitable for formulations requiring precision and purity.

Calcined kaolin is produced through the thermal treatment of hydrous kaolin, a process that modifies its crystalline structure and enhances several key properties. This material exhibits increased brightness (up to 95% ISO), improved hardness, and excellent thermal and mechanical stability. These attributes make it especially useful in high-performance applications such as coatings, plastics, refractories, and electrical insulation.

Calcined kaolin is anhydrous, with a typical loss on ignition below 0.5%, offering excellent moisture resistance during processing. Its fine particle size, with up to 90% of particles below 2 microns, ensures superior dispersion and consistency in composite materials. Bulk density ranges between 280 and 380 g/L depending on the grade, supporting precise formulation control and ease of handling.