Kaolin
It is a mineral belonging to the group of aluminosilicates. Kaolin found in nature usually contains different amounts of minerals such as mica, feldspar, anatase and quartz. In its natural state, kaolin is a soft, white powder composed of hexagonal, crystalline kaolinite minerals, usually measuring between about 0.1 and 10 micrometers under the electron microscope. Although all kaolin group minerals have the same chemical composition, changes can be seen in the ratio, variety and spatial orientation (structural and sequence differences) of kaolinite minerals according to their formation forms. These changes are expressed under the headings of mineralogical composition, chemical composition, particle size distribution and various rheological properties. Differences in these properties cause different color, strength ratio, dryness level and plastic properties in kaolinite clays. The type of kaolin to be used is determined according to the needs in the usage areas.
Kaolin Usage Areas
There is no big difference in terms of product standards between kaolins consumed in Turkey and in the world. Factories in the relevant sectors use different raw materials with Al2O3, Fe2O3, SO3, TiO2 according to their own production formulas. However, the physical properties of other raw materials used by factories gain greater importance than their chemical properties. Physical properties such as whiteness-brightness, abrasion, grain size, distribution and shape are important in coating and filling, ceramic, paint, rubber and other usage areas in the paper industry. The physical properties listed are related to the basic properties such as the formation conditions of kaolins, mineralogical properties and chemical compositions. The sectors in which kaolin is used and its properties can be exemplified as follows
