Paper

High-Performance Paper Starts with Kaolin: Hydrous and Calcined Advantages

Hydrous kaolin and calcined kaolin play crucial roles in enhancing the quality of paper, each offering unique advantages based on their properties. Hydrous kaolin, primarily used as a filler and coating pigment, improves paper smoothness, brightness, and printability while being cost-effective.
Its use as a filler enhances ink absorption and mechanical strength, while as a coating pigment, it creates a matte finish suitable for high-quality prints in applications like magazines and brochures. Calcined kaolin, produced by heating hydrous kaolin, is particularly valued for its ability to deliver a glossy, high-brightness finish in coated papers.

Hydrous Kaolin in Paper

Key Features
  • Improved Smoothness: Enhances the paper surface, making it suitable for printing.
  • Brightness and Whiteness: Naturally brightens and whitens paper for better optical properties.
  • Cost-Effective: Provides a budget-friendly option compared to other fillers like calcium carbonate.
  • Matte Finish: Creates a non-reflective, smooth surface ideal for specific paper types.
  • Slight Strength Enhancement: Contributes to improved stiffness and mechanical properties.
As Filler
  • Enhances smoothness and printability for sharper, brighter prints.
  • Improves brightness and whiteness.
  • Cost-effective compared to alternatives like calcium carbonate.
  • Slightly improves mechanical properties (strength, stiffness).
Coating Pigment
  • Creates a smooth, matte surface, ideal for producing non-reflective paper finishes.
  • Improves the brightness and quality of coated papers (e.g., magazines, brochures).

Calcined Kaolin in Paper

Key Features
  • Enhanced Smoothness: Improves the paper’s surface texture for a premium feel.
  • Higher Strength: Increases durability, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
  • Improved Printability: Offers excellent ink adhesion, resulting in sharper and vibrant prints.
  • Glossy Finish: Provides a high-brightness, glossy surface for premium paper products.
  • Specialized Use: Ideal for papers requiring superior quality and performance.
As Filler
  • Enhances paper smoothness and uniform texture.
  • Increases paper strength and long-term durability.
  • Improves ink adhesion for sharper, vibrant prints.
  • Used in premium, high-performance paper products.
Coating Pigment
  • Provides glossy, high-brightness finishes ideal for premium products like photo paper.
  • Enhances ink adhesion, print sharpness, and gloss retention in glossy papers.

Conclusion

  • Hydrous Kaolin: Best for cost-effective, smooth, and matte paper applications.
  • Calcined Kaolin: Ideal for premium, glossy paper products requiring higher brightness and durability.