Investigating the Effect of Particle Size on the Condensation Behavior of Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay has many applications in various industries. The size of the clay particles has a great influence on its properties. In this study, the condensation behavior of this clay with different particle sizes is investigated. Three granular particles: fine clay (passed through 70 mesh), coarse clay (passed through 40 mesh and residue on 30 mesh) and mixed clay (50 % wt-50 % wt fine and coarse) were prepared. By increasing the sintering temperature from 1000 to 1200 œC, the density of the samples increased. The samples of mixed clay had the maximum density which could attribute to their dense microstructure. The main phases of kaolin clay were identified as quartz and mullite after sintering. The results of the hardness test and Weibull analysis showed that the sample of fine clay had the highest hardness and Weibull modulus. The lowest Weibull modulus for the mixed clay was calculated which could be attributed to the non-uniform microstructure in this sample.

Keywords:

Kaolin , Particle size , Sintering , Hardness , Weibull modulus , Microstructure