Technical properties of compounded kaolin sample from Griva (Macedonia, Greece)

The purpose of this paper is to establish the possible industrial applications of Griva kaolin. This kaolin comes from the alteration of gabbroic rocks from the Griva area, Macedonia, Greece. Mineralogically, the kaolin is composed mainly of kaolinite associated with vermiculite and plagioclases, and traces of quartz, amphiboles, halloysite and smectites. The kaolin grain-size analysis shows that the kaolin is mostly finer than <20 μm with 20% of <2 μm. The amounts of Fe, Mg and Ca for the < 20 μm fraction are higher than those of standard commercial kaolins. The kaolinite is disordered with low crystallinity. Kaolinite crystals do not present typical pseudohexagonal stackings, showing irregular morphology, and vermicular aggregates booklets. The Brookfield viscosity of about 450 cp (at 70% solids 12 rpm), the high brightness (83% on < 20 μm fraction) and the dispersability in water suspensions would favour its use as filler in the paper and paint industries. However, the low crystallinity kaolinite precludes its use as filler in rubber industry. The kaolin shows a liquid limit of about 48% and a plastic limit of 34%. The firing characteristics indicate its possible use as a ceramic raw material for stoneware and sanitary ware products.