Aluminium Silicate

Aluminium silicate is an inorganic compound composed of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, often found naturally as a major component of clay minerals such as kaolinite, halloysite, and other aluminosilicates. It is a white to off-white powder with excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, and physical durability. Due to its wide range of physicochemical properties—including high melting point, non-toxicity, and adsorptive capabilities—aluminium silicate is extensively used across diverse industries including ceramics, paints, paper, rubber, plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its unique structure imparts benefits such as heat resistance, improved mechanical strength, and anti-caking properties, making it a vital raw material in both industrial and consumer products.

Description

Aluminium Silicate Uses

Primary Uses 

Ceramics & Refractories

  • Essential raw material in porcelain, sanitary ware, tiles, and advanced ceramic products.

  • Key ingredient in refractory bricks and kiln linings, providing resistance to heat, thermal shock, and chemical corrosion.

  • Enhances mechanical strength and dimensional stability at high temperatures.

Paints & Coatings

  • Functions as an extender pigment, improving opacity, durability, and weather resistance.

  • Improves adhesion and hardness of coatings, contributing to abrasion resistance and surface protection.

  • Controls rheology and prevents cracking in dried paint films.

Paper Industry

  • Used as a coating pigment and filler to boost brightness, opacity, and smoothness of paper surfaces.

  • Improves printability, ink holdout, and reduces dusting during handling.

  • Contributes to paper’s tactile quality and strength.

Rubber & Plastics

  • Reinforcing filler in tires, hoses, belts, and molded plastic products to enhance strength, abrasion resistance, and durability.

  • Improves thermal and dimensional stability of rubber and plastic compounds.

  • Modifies electrical and thermal conductivity in specialized applications.

Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals

  • Acts as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in powders, deodorants, face masks, and makeup products.

  • Used in tablet and capsule formulations to improve flowability and manufacturing consistency.

  • Its inertness makes it suitable for sensitive skin and topical formulations.

Catalysts & Adsorbents

  • Serves as a catalyst support in petrochemical refining and environmental applications.

  • Used in purification processes for water treatment and gas filtration.

  • Adsorbs heavy metals and organic contaminants due to its porous structure.

 

Secondary Uses 

Detergents

  • Used as a builder and anti-caking agent in powdered detergents, enhancing cleaning efficiency and powder flow.

Agriculture

  • Acts as a soil conditioner and slow-release alumina/silica source in fertilizers.

  • Prevents clumping in granular fertilizers.

Construction Materials

  • Added to cement and concrete to improve strength, chemical resistance, and reduce porosity.

  • Used in adhesives, sealants, and insulating materials.

Electronics & Electrical Applications

  • Electrical insulator and dielectric material in microelectronics and circuit boards.

  • Used in manufacturing capacitors and resistors due to thermal stability.

Food Additive

  • E559, used as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods like salt, spices, and drink mixes.

  • Prevents clumping, improves flow properties, safe within regulatory limits.

Animal Feed & Veterinary Uses

  • Used as binder or anti-caking agent in animal feed powders.

  • Carrier for veterinary supplements and medicines.

Environmental Applications

  • Soil remediation agent immobilizing heavy metals.

  • Used in barriers and liners to prevent pollutant leaching.

Textile Industry

  • Filler and coating agent in textile finishing to improve smoothness, whiteness, and durability.
KEY ATTRIBUTES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Aluminium Silicate

  • Common/Trade Names: Kaolin, Mullite (when heated), Aluminosilicate

  • CAS Number: 12173-37-6 (kaolinite form)

  • Molecular Formula: Variable; general formula Al₂O₃·2SiO₂·2H₂O (kaolin)

  • HS Code: 2521.00.00 (varies by country)

  • Synonyms: Kaolin, China clay, Aluminosilicate

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Powder or granular solid

  • Color & Odor: White to off-white, odorless

  • Melting Point: Decomposes >1750°C

  • Boiling Point: N/A (decomposes)

  • Density: ~2.6 g/cm³ (varies by form)

  • Solubility: Insoluble in water and most solvents

  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (~4.5-7 depending on source)

  • Thermal Stability: High, withstands high temperatures without melting

  • Surface Area: Variable, often high surface area due to fine particle size

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Generally regarded as non-hazardous

  • NFPA Ratings: Health 1 (slight irritant), Flammability 0, Reactivity 0

  • Exposure Limits: No established limits; considered low toxicity

  • Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; inert

  • Incompatibilities: Strong acids and bases can degrade

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage: Store in dry, cool environment to prevent moisture uptake

  • Container: Sealed bags or drums, moisture-proof packaging recommended

  • Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly

  • Handling: Avoid dust generation; use dust masks and goggles if airborne particles present

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA: Approved as a food additive (E559) for anti-caking

  • EFSA: Approved as food additive

  • OSHA/NIOSH: No specific limits

  • Transportation: Non-hazardous for transport

  • Disposal: Can be disposed of as non-hazardous solid waste, following local regulations

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms

  • Biodegradability: Non-biodegradable but inert and stable in environment

  • Persistence: Persistent but minimal bioaccumulation

  • Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

  • Environmental Fate: Remains stable, does not readily leach

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE: Use gloves, goggles, dust masks when handling powders.

  • Ventilation: Handle in well-ventilated areas to reduce inhalation of dust.

  • Hygiene: Wash hands after use; avoid eating/drinking/smoking while handling.

  • Spills: Sweep up dry; avoid water dispersal to prevent dust cloud.

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical care if irritation continues.

  • Eye Contact: Flush with water for 15 minutes; get medical advice if irritation persists.

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if large amounts ingested.

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; dust may pose minor explosion risk in confined spaces.

  • Extinguishing Media: Water, foam, dry chemical for surrounding fires.

  • Special Precautions: Avoid dust clouds; wear respiratory protection if dust present.