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Kaolin’s green dream

February 25, 2010 - 00:00 GMT

KEYWORDS: Atil Parikh , 20 Microns , kaolin

Atil Parikh of 20 Microns discusses the company’s calcined kaolin operations and new target markets for environmental products

Kaolin’s main end markets include ceramics, paints and coatings, paper, polymers, catalysts and pharmaceuticals, where it is used primarily in three forms: hydrous kaolin (refined and classified according to particle size and purity), calcined kaolin (heat treated to change its optical and physical properties, such as brightness and opacity), and metakaolin (heat treated for use in construction and cable industries).

The applicability and commercial value of kaolin is primarily based on the mineral’s whiteness and its fine particle size, which is capable of being optimised during processing. Particle size affects fluidity, strength, plasticity, colour, abrasiveness and ease of dispersion. Other important properties include its particle shape, which increases opacity or hiding power, its soft and non-abrasive texture (owing to the absence of coarser impurities), and its chemical inertness.

Mining

20 Microns started its kaolin operations by acquiring mine leases from the Indian government. At present the...

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