Kaolin Uses

Kaolin is essentially derived from kaolinite, which is also known as aluminum silicate hydroxide. It is a mineral that is found primarily in China and is named after a place where it is found, Kao-Ling, Jianxi, China. That is why it is also known as china clay. The other names for kaolin clay also include, white clay, light or heavy clay, etc. It is also found in US, Brazil, Australia, Germany, Canada, Ukraine, England, and New Mexico, etc. Kaolinite comes in various colors, such as, white, green, yellow, or colorless. Given below are some of the uses of kaolin for various industries.

Pharmaceutical
Kaolin is widely used in drugs that are used to treat various gastrointestinal problems. The smoothening properties of the clay provide relief to irritation in the stomach. It is also known to absorb and kill the bacteria and viruses in the body, so people used to ingest kaolin powder in old days when they suffered from stomach disorders. It also absorbs the excessive contamination in the stomach and that helps in curing diarrhea and other intestinal problems. It is also known to cure abdominal pain. One of the kaolin powder uses is that people use it as a liquid suspension during diarrhea. Not only human but kaolin is also used in veterinary medical products. Kaolin poultice uses include soothing bruises, reduce swelling, absorbing pus and cleaning wounds, etc. So it is used to treat various skin problems and injuries in animals as well.

Cosmetic
Kaolin clay is used in various commercial cosmetic products. Different kaolin clays, such as, French clay, rose clay, white clay, yellow clay, fuller earth's clay are used in various skin care products. Kaolin clay helps in removing blackheads and dirt from the skin and skin pores. It also absorbs excessive oil from the skin making it soft and smooth. It is also one of the most important ingredient in many bath wash soaps. One of the other kaolin clay uses is that it can be used in its pure form as a kaolin clay mask. All you have to do is mix some water in to the clay, form a thick paste, apply it on the face and leave it for air dry and wash it. It stimulates blood circulation and improves skin complexion. This is also one of the natural skin care agents that has no side effects on the skin if used in adequate amounts. These were some of the cosmetic uses of kaolin.

Paper Industry
It is used to produce glossy paper which is widely used in magazines and newspapers. It is used as a filler in the bulk of paper and also used as a coating on the surface that gives a glossy look to the paper. White kaolin's low abrasive properties make it an ideal raw material in the making of paper. It improves the quality and optical properties of the paper by making it more bright, shiny, and printable. Less amount of expensive wood pulp is required when kaolin is used as a filler. This way a high quality paper can be produced with low expenses. The thick paper required to make cartons and boxes is also made from kaolin. Kaolin uses also extend to rubber and fiberglass manufacturing. It provides smooth surfaces, strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to chemical reactions that helps in high quality products. Spare parts required for cars, boats, sporting goods, and aircraft, etc. are made from using kaolin clay.

Apart from these kaolin is also used in ceramics. It is used in manufacturing white wares, such as, tableware, sanitary ware, and tiles, etc. From the above information, it is evident that it has many industrial applications. Kaolinite uses are multiple and dynamic that makes it a unique and essential natural mineral. I hope this information was useful.