Overview
Fine smooth kaolin is a naturally occurring hydrated aluminum silicate mineral, prized for its ultra-fine particle size and smooth texture. It is derived from the weathering of feldspar-rich rocks and undergoes rigorous beneficiation to achieve high purity. The material is chemically inert, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications. Kaolin’s exceptional whiteness and low impurity content distinguish it from other clay minerals. Its fine particle size (typically <2μm) enhances opacity and gloss in coatings, while its plasticity is critical for ceramic shaping. Industrial-grade kaolin is classified by brightness, viscosity, and particle morphology.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Fine smooth kaolin exhibits a layered silicate structure with a theoretical composition of 39.5% Al₂O₃, 46.5% SiO₂, and 14% H₂O. Its low conductivity and high dielectric strength make it valuable in electrical porcelain applications. The material’s refractive index (1.56) contributes to its opacity in paper coatings. Key physical metrics include a specific surface area of 10–30 m²/g and a Mohs hardness of 2–2.5. Chemically, it is stable under normal conditions but transforms into metakaolin above 550°C. Acid leaching can improve brightness by removing iron oxides.
Main Applications
In ceramics, fine smooth kaolin serves as a primary component for porcelain bodies, providing workability and fired strength. The paper industry consumes ~40% of global production as a coating pigment to enhance printability and brightness (up to 90% ISO). Paints and coatings utilize kaolin as an extender pigment to improve suspension and weathering resistance. In cosmetics, its adsorbent properties make it ideal for face masks and powders. Emerging applications include polymer nanocomposites and 3D printing ceramics, where particle uniformity is critical.
Safety and Storage
While kaolin is generally non-hazardous, prolonged inhalation of dust may cause pneumoconiosis. OSHA recommends a PEL of 15 mg/m³ (total dust) and 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction). Suppliers must provide SDS documentation confirming the absence of crystalline silica. Store in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect flowability. Bulk storage silos should incorporate vibration systems to prevent compaction. For international shipments, classify under HS code 2507.00 for duty purposes.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should prioritize suppliers with ISO 9001-certified processing facilities. Request certified test reports for brightness (≥85% ISO), particle size (D50 <1μm for premium grades), and residue on 325 mesh (<0.5%). Consider logistics: bulk shipments (1,000+ tons) typically offer 15–20% cost savings over bagged kaolin. Negotiate contracts with quarterly price adjustments linked to energy indexes. For specialty applications like pharmaceuticals, demand USP/EP compliance testing.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：生物质颗粒、防火涂料、膨润土、高岭土、云母粉、蛭石、石英砂、碳酸钙、重钙、1250目云母粉、萤石粉、莫来砂、铁砂、火山石、夜光石
- 主营：贝壳粉、固体机、杨木粉、高岭土、微景观、萤石矿、水洗砂、钠云母、硅酸盐、磨漂珠、白漂珠、乳胶漆、萤石块、细云母、发光石、黑彩砂、轻钙粉、珠光粉、蛭石粉、夜光沙、云母沙、石棉绒、硅藻泥、珍珠岩、非金属、芙蓉红
- 主营：滑石粉、氧化锌、云母粉、高岭土、碳酸钙、填充料、钛白粉、硫酸钡、立德粉、透明粉、白炭黑、轻钙粉、重钙粉、纳米钙粉、无机颜料
- 主营：普通石英砂、金刚砂、鹅卵石、化工涂料高岭土、重钙粉、云母、玻璃珠
- 主营：珍珠岩、夜光石、海泡石、高岭土、火山石、云母粉、生石灰、彩砂、萤石粉、漂珠、硅藻土、铁粉、石英砂、蛭石、石棉绒、麦饭石球、复合岩片、生物质颗粒、配重铁砂、麦饭石、萤石矿、白沙子、发光石、夜光粉、重晶石粉
- 主营：水洗高岭土、硫酸钡
- 主营：异辛醇、乳化剂、乙烯醚、纳米高岭土、醚羧酸、脂肪醇、分散剂、染色助剂、聚乙二醇、异构醇醚、泊洛沙姆、椰油酰胺、基羟乙基、烷基糖苷、特辛基酚、聚氧乙烯、嵌段聚醚、单油酸酯、异构十三醇、丙烯磺酸钠、氢化蓖麻油、丙烯酰胺基、醇醚葡糖苷、低泡渗透剂、甲酯乙氧基、癸基葡糖苷
- 主营：氟金云母、云母片、云母粉、高岭土、滑石粉、碳酸钙、石墨粉、电气石、岩片、膨润土、陶土、海泡石、白炭黑、重晶石粉、沸石、石英砂、透明粉、粘土、蛭石、硅藻土、玻璃鳞片、果壳粉
- 主营：抗氧剂、乳化剂、苯扎氯铵、煅烧高岭土、烷基二甲基、氢化蓖麻油、表面活性剂、双链季胺盐、聚氧乙烯醚、二丁基羟基甲苯、甘油聚氧丙烯醚、十二烷基硫酸钠、树脂、助剂
- 主营：彩色石子、彩沙、有机覆盖物、高岭土、火山岩、石英砂、彩色玻璃砂、蛭石、岩片、钙粉、鹅卵石、膨润土、粉煤灰、铝矾土、油田堵漏剂、木粉、河沙、石膏粉、珍珠岩、陶粒、金刚砂
- 主营：轻质碳酸钙粉、硅藻土、重质碳酸钙粉、煅烧高岭土、膨润土、硅灰粉、白云石粉、矿粉、火山石粉、滑石粉、粉煤灰、陶土粉、珍珠岩粉、石英粉、玻璃粉、重晶石粉、夜光石粉、变压器鹅卵石、水洗石、夜光石、火山石切片、彩色石子、石英砂、黑色金刚砂、鹅卵石切片
- 主营：鹅卵石、雨花石、夜光石、高岭土、水洗石、彩色石子、火山岩、烘干砂、石英砂、金刚砂、彩砂、鹅卵石切片、蘑菇石、膨润土、面包石、微硅粉、硅微粉、重钙粉、白云石粉、火山石粉、轻钙粉、滑石粉、硅酸铝粉、矿粉、粉煤灰
- 主营：鱼缸砂、夜光石、路面石、325目高岭土生产厂家、火山石、鹅卵石、雨花石、洗米石、水洗石、机制石子、水磨石子、胶粘石、石英砂、烘干砂、保温砂、砂浆砂、金刚砂、白沙子、蛭石、荧光粉、天然彩砂、染色彩砂、金刚砂地坪料、透水石子、水刷石石子
- 主营：棕刚玉 白刚玉、氧化铁颜料、云母、水洗高岭土、复合岩片、金刚砂耐磨地坪材料、鹅卵石雨花石、金刚砂、夜光石、免洗树脂水洗石开通即、棕刚玉砂 微粉、硫化铁、煅烧彩砂、石英砂、硅微粉 石英粉、碳酸钙、玻璃微珠、海泡石纤维、玻璃微粉、树脂砂 悬浮砂、反射隔热粉、碳粉、负氧离子液
- 主营：氧化铁颜料、铁粉、膨润土、煅烧高岭土、珍珠岩、矿物纤维、木质纤维、硅酸铝纤维、海泡石纤维、云母粉
- 主营：轻质碳酸钙、4A沸石粉、膨润土、煅烧高岭土、水洗高岭土、重晶石粉、配重铁粉 铁砂、氢氧化钙、红陶土 黄陶土、木粉、麦饭石粉、沸石粉、滑石粉、负离子粉、硅藻土、白云石粉、玻璃鳞片、高铝耐火粉、蓝晶石粉
- 主营：真石漆、沙子全、腻子粉、高岭土、粘土球、白沙子、烘干沙、膨润土、40目河沙、烘干河沙、水族婚庆、抗裂砂浆、钙粉工业、塑料橡胶、喷砂除锈、环氧草坪、人造沙滩、石粉填充、砂浆抹面、钻井泥浆、公园造景、石粉砂浆、石粉沙子、白色沙子、pvc填充料、河沙园艺
- 主营：铝矾土、高铝粉、炉衬料、高岭土、石英砂、石英粉、长石粉、高铝砂、玻璃粉、电熔镁砂、锆英砂、金刚砂、矿渣粉、重晶石粉、彩砂、重金石、钙粉
- 主营：硅灰石粉、矿粉、硅灰、高岭土、长石粉、玻璃粉、膨润土、玻璃鳞片、萤石粉
- 主营：麦饭石粉、滑石粉、沸石粉、高岭土、氧化钙、膨润土、白云石粉、橡胶粉、石英粉、硅微粉、碳酸钙、石墨、硅藻土、抗菌粉、氢氧化钙、消石灰、陶土、活性白土、金刚砂、木粉、磁粉、海泡石粉、二氧化硅、负离子粉