Huber mines and processes hydrous kaolin clay - Al2Si2O5(OH)4
The purest, whitest deposits of kaolin clay (chemically known as hydrous aluminum silicate) are found along a fault line stretching from Alabama to Georgia to South Carolina (U.S.A). As found in nature, kaolin clay has hydroxyl groups (-OH) chemically attached to it, making it naturally hydrophilic.Process:
1. Kaolin is mined (from open pits) from the ground, and then
2. Blunged at high solids with high shear into slurry, where de-gritting takes place.
3. The resulting slurry is pumped from the mine to the plant where. . .
4. Beneficiation takes place – optimizing the kaolin for brightness particle size, purity, and/or surface modification.
The kaolin is in slurry form at this point, and can either be shipped to customers – or. . .
5. Spray dried, forming kaolin beads, which are shipped to customers – or. . .
6. The beads are pulverized into powder form, and then shipped to customers.
Serving the needs of customers from Europe to Asia and across the America’s, 
Huber has a rich heritage in kaolin mineral operations. Through efficiency in mining and processing, combined with strong technical know-how and customer service, Huber is proud to be a reliable partner for its many customers.
There are four basic types of kaolin clays used by industry: water washed · calcined · delaminated · chemically modified.
Applications include: coating / glossing for paper · paints & coatings · rubber · thermoplastics · adhesives · ink · crop protection · cosmetics · and many more!
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Calcined Kaolin Clays:
Number One TiO2 extender
Improve abrasion resistance
Heat treated to effect low % LOI (loss on ignition)
Higher brightness, stable color
Promote flattening
Improve scrubability
Delaminated Kaolin Clays:
High aspect ratio
Provides bridging
Improves UV stability
Improves gas/vapor barrier resistance
Controlled penetration
Good exterior durability
Improves opacity & tint strength
Water Washed Kaolin Clays:
Bead or Powder form
Economical
Easy dispersion
Chemically inert
Aids in rheology/prevents settling
TiO2 extension - fine particle size distribution (psd) & structured types
Available in a variety of particle sizes and forms
Minimizes machinery wear - finer psd
THERE ARE NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Refer to Huber's Standard Conditions of Sale for the only express warranties applicable to the Huber products. Products incorporating Huber products are not warranted by Huber. In no event is Huber liable for consequential damages.