Size distribution analysis of kaolin using laser diffraction technique

Abstract

Kaolin is widely used in ceramic, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. The suitability use of kaolin in industries will depend on its physical and chemical properties. The physical and chemical composition of Kaolin is dependent on its geological origin, geographic source and processing. Processed kaolin available in the market is normally graded by the manufacturer based on its physical and chemical composition. This paper is focused on the size distribution analysis of nine types/batches of processed kaolin and one raw kaolin soil by using laser diffraction technique (based on Fraunhofer diffraction theory) in accordance to BS ISO 13320:2009. The laser diffraction technique is widely used in the powder industries in determining the particle size distribution because of its simplicity and its repeatability. All the specimens were pre-sieved with a sieve of 2mm aperture size. The effective size, uniformity coefficient and coefficient of curvature of the material were also calculated to facilitate the size distribution analysis. The findings of this paper are expected to benefit industries in which size the distribution of the kaolin will directly or indirectly contribute to its suitability use.