Calcined Kaolin
Calcined Kaolin is a fine, white to off-white powder produced by heating natural kaolin clay to high temperatures (typically between 600°C and 900°C) in a controlled process called calcination. This thermal treatment removes chemically bound water, changes the crystalline structure, and enhances the physical and chemical properties of kaolin. The resulting product exhibits increased brightness, hardness, and opacity, making it highly valuable as a functional additive and filler in numerous industrial applications. Calcined Kaolin is widely used in coatings, ceramics, plastics, rubber, paper, and paint industries to improve durability, brightness, and performance.
Calcined Kaolin Uses
Primary Uses
- Coatings & Paints
- Used as a functional extender to improve paint durability, brightness, and opacity.
- Enhances scratch resistance, corrosion resistance, and weatherability of coatings.
- Acts as a matting agent and improves the rheology (flow properties) of paint formulations.
- Paper Industry
- Serves as a filler and coating pigment to improve paper brightness, smoothness, and printability.
- Enhances paper opacity and bulk, providing better surface gloss and ink holdout.
- Ceramics
- Used in ceramic formulations to improve strength, whiteness, and thermal stability.
- Reduces firing temperature and improves product uniformity.
- Plastics & Rubber
- Acts as a reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber compounds, enhancing mechanical strength and resistance to abrasion.
- Improves dimensional stability and surface finish of molded products.
- Construction Materials
- Incorporated in cement, plaster, and concrete to improve hardness, reduce permeability, and increase resistance to chemical attack.
Secondary Uses
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Used as an absorbent and mattifying agent in powders and makeup products.
- Adhesives & Sealants
- Functions as a rheology modifier and extender to improve performance characteristics.
- Agriculture
- Occasionally used as an inert carrier or anti-caking agent in fertilizers and pesticides.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Aluminum silicate hydroxide (dehydroxylated form after calcination)
- Common/Trade Names: Calcined Kaolin, Metakaolin, Thermally Treated Kaolin
- CAS Number: 1318-74-7 (kaolin base)
- HS Code: 2507.00.00
- Molecular Formula: Approx. Al2Si2O7 (dehydroxylated kaolin)
- Synonyms:
- Metakaolin
- Calcined Clay
- Thermally Activated Kaolin
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Fine powder
- Color & Odor: White to off-white; odorless
- Melting Point: Not applicable (inorganic mineral)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable
- Density: Approx. 2.6–2.8 g/cm³
- Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
- pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6–8) in aqueous suspension
- Stability: Chemically stable; non-hygroscopic
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous under normal handling
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for nuisance dust: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable dust)
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; inhalation of fine dust may cause mild respiratory irritation
- Reactivity: Stable; inert under normal conditions
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in dry, cool areas away from moisture and contaminants
- Container Type: Bulk bags, drums, or silos depending on quantity
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly
- Special Handling: Minimize dust generation; use PPE (masks, goggles, gloves) during handling
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) as an indirect food contact substance (in some grades)
- Pharmacopoeia Compliance: Not typically listed in pharmacopeias
- Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous material
- Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to local regulations; inert waste
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental hazard; inert mineral
- Persistence: Non-biodegradable but environmentally inert
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; some respirable dust forms of kaolin are considered nuisance dust
- Biodegradability: Not biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Dust mask or respirator (NIOSH-approved)
- Gloves
- Protective goggles
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation of dust
- Use local exhaust ventilation or dust extraction systems
- Handle in well-ventilated areas
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Store in dry conditions to prevent caking
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands and exposed skin after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if coughing or breathing difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; no significant toxicity expected; seek medical advice if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire (water, foam, dry chemical)
- Special Precautions: Use protective equipment to avoid dust inhalation during fire conditions
- Decomposition Products: None under normal fire conditions