Kaolins for Paint Formulation

Kaolin is a naturally occurring aluminum silicate crystalline mineral with a relatively fine particle size and a platy particle shape. The kaolin Thiele mines today has been formed millions of years ago as a result of erosion and subsequent sedimentation of weathered crystalline rock formations. These rock formations contained micas and feldspars, which were converted by nature into kaolinite crystals. This conversion generated significant differences in the kaolinite particle size, shape and shade depending on regional conditions. The impact of the size, shape and shade of a kaolin on a paint formulation will depend on a number of variables such as PVC level, pigment and extender ratios, binder type and other additives. To demonstrate this, a set of six kaolins with significantly different characteristics were evaluated in two different paint formulations