The Properties of Kaolin from Different Locations and Their Impact on Casting Rate

It has been well known that mineral samples from different locations and origins can exhibit a significant shift in their properties and behavior. The present study of three samples of kaolin from a wide set of origin of deposits, composition, and ceramic properties, provided an important and perhaps a unique opportunity for investigating the interdependence of mineralogy, chemical composition, particle morphology, and surface property with their rheological behavior in ceramic applications such as casting rate. The X-ray diffraction patterns of kaolin samples #2 and #3 suggested low crystallinity with Hinckley Index (HI) ranging between 0.78 and 0.8. On the other hand, kaolin sample #1 was highly ordered with HI of about 1.21, and it had higher quartz content. This free quartz could enhance the permeability and hence increase the casting rate. The abundance of divalent ions (Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ) in samples #2 & #3 could result in the collapse of the electrical double layer and reduction of zeta potential, consequently, coagulation of the particles leading to an increase of viscosity and dispersant demands. The morphology study suggested the platelet particles in samples #2 & #3 would lead to slower dewatering, thus, lower casting rate than that of the blocky (lower aspect ratio and narrower size distribution) particles in sample #1.