Kaolin in the Paper Industry - Focus on the Asian Region

Grade Key Characteristics Comment

Filler grades Brightness This is a low cost grade competing with

Particle size distribution carbonate and talc. The market is dominated by
variable quality product from Indonesia. A high
brightness, low cost kaolin with good brightness
could appeal to Japanese papermills.
Delaminated Brightness Delaminated kaolins not widely used in Asia
Aspect ratio, surface currently, however, good growth prospects as
area and to a lesser this product is used in the fastest growing
extent particle size segment, lightly coated paper. Trend is to use
distribution No 2 grade kaolin. Brazilian producers have
developed high brightness, low viscosity
products in this sector and are making inroads.
Calcined Brightness Highest value clay due to high energy (calciner)
Opacifying power required in production, low bulk and
consequently high shipping costs. The market
for calcined continues to grow as whiteness
standards are driven ever higher by competitive
pressures including use in newsprint grades.
No 1 Coating Brightness High brightness is the key feature and is
Particle size distribution typically >90 %GE with recent developments
Viscosity raising limits to 91% GE. Particle size
distribution can be quite fine (98%<2µm) to
coarse (85%<2µm) although the mid range and
fine grades are dominant.
No 2 Coating Medium brightness The brightness range is 2-3 points below No 1
Particle size distribution grades. The dominant grades are at the coarse
Viscosity end and the fine end. Some overlap with
delaminated grades has occurred with the
coarser grades.

http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1032[6/17/2010 9:02:25 AM]