A Guide to Selecting the Right Kaolin

Clay for Your Application

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. It is imperative that you 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 there are many industries that are still in doubt as to which are the most useful.

As kaolin clay manufacturers, we get your need to acquire high quality and efficient raw
material. 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 the selection of the best kaolin clay for your desired uses.

Understand the Types of Kaolin Clay

Selecting the right type of kaolin 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 which has 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.

Calcined Kaolin
Calcined kaolin commonly referred to as metakaolin is a white powder that is non plastic in
nature. It is made from natural kaolin through a process of calcination, that 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 or also called water-washed kaolin is the process of refining kaolin with water.
This process yields a slurry which has to be treated in order 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 kaolin 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.

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.

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 kaolin clay manufacturers for detailed specifications. Ensure the chosen kaolin clay
meets all your application requirements.

Conclusion
At 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 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 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.

Meta Title: Selecting the Right Types of Kaolin Clay for Your Application

Meta Description: Discover how to choose the best types of kaolin clay for various industrial
applications. Get expert tips and insights to ensure optimal performance.