Industrial Applications of Clays and Clay Minerals
Industrial Applications of Clays and Clay Minerals
In almost all industrial applications, clays and clay minerals serve as functional components rather than just inert materials in the system.
Key Applications of Clays
- Physical Property Contribution: Clays are used for their specific physical properties that enhance the end product, such as:
- Kaolins for paper coating
- Bentonite for drilling muds
- Chemical Composition Utility: In some cases, clays are selected based on their chemical properties, such as:
- Kaolin for fiberglass production
- Clays and shales for cement production
The physical and chemical properties of kaolins, smectites, palygorskite–sepiolite, clays containing illite and chlorite, and refractory or fireclays vary significantly. These will be explored in subsequent sections.
Minechem Ceramic Technology Center®️ Focus Areas
Minechem Ceramic Technology Center®️ prioritizes the following key properties for crude clay to harness its best capabilities:
Important Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Clay Materials
- Grit percentage (+44 mm)
- Particle size, shape, and distribution
- Mineralogy
- Surface area, charge, and chemistry
- pH
- Ion exchange capacity
- Brightness and color identification
- Sorption capacity
- Rheology
- Ceramic properties
- Dispersibility
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