Kaolin, which was discovered in China, has been used for millennia in the manufacturing of porcelain and fine china. Kaolin is currently used as a substantial and cost-effective pigment in various papers, ceramics, cement, and cosmetic goods. Now you might wonder, why is it shaped like a noodle? What makes it different from other types of kaolin? While the noodle version of kaolin has a long shape, its use is no different from any other type of kaolin.

In hindsight, kaolin looks to be unremarkable. The appearance of kaolin, a platy soft white clay, can disguise its adaptability and usefulness in a variety of industries. Kaolin is available in several forms, including kaolin powder, kaolin lump, and kaolin noodle, all of which are extensively treated to provide a high-quality product.

If you’re seeking additional information about kaolin, its kinds, and applications, go no further because we’ll go over all you need to know about kaolin noodles and more!

How was Kaolin Noodle Made?

Before it can be utilized in industrial operations, kaolin noodle has gone through a lengthy procedure. Because kaolinite is a mineral found in the ground, it must first be mined, generally done by water jet mining. Following that, kaolinite goes through a process known as centrifuge kaolin slurry. The sand is removed, and kaolinite may proceed to its first filtering process, which uses a 100 mesh screen by the second and third, which employ 200 and 325 mesh screens.

After being filtered, kaolinite will be purified and solidified using a high-pressure pump and filter press. This stage contains kaolin clay or a lump with a moisture content of about 33-35 percent. In this stage, you’ll also meet with a high moisture version of the noodle which consists of 33-35% moisture. 

However, if you wish to have a noodle version of kaolin that possesses a lower moisture level, it will have to go through a natural drying process until the moisture level is decreased to around 12-14%. This noodle is considered to have a middle-level of moisture, unlike kaolin powder that only has around 1-4%.

Related: Kaolin: Its Moisture Content and Three Commercial Grade Products

To achieve that moisture level, the kaolinite must undergo another drying and milling process using a disc milling machine beforehand. The machine will destroy its noodle shape and mill it into powdery substances that you can combine and mix into a variety of industrial needs.

Without a doubt, the procedure from beginning to conclusion is lengthy. This is why selecting the correct kaolinite is critical, as you must guarantee that the kaolin noodle remains of excellent quality even after going through so many procedures. 

How Do You Use Kaolin Noodle?

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Similar to other types of kaolin, noodle-shaped kaolin possesses a lot of potential in terms of use cases. The reason is that it’s multifunctional, flexible, hence making it suitable for a range of industries. Wondering which industry that employs kaolin noodle in its process? Here are some of them!

1. Sanitaryware Industry

Sanitaryware, wall and floor tiles, and tableware are the most common ceramic ware forms that use kaolin. When burned, kaolin powder creates a white hue, giving the sanitaryware a beautiful and strong appearance. This enables the ceramic body to be securely shaped and handled during the shaping and firing processes.

Kaolin is also used for its casting properties, which are important in slip casting, especially in the manufacturing of safe, family-friendly sanitaryware.

Related: All You Need to Know About Sanitary Kaolin and Its Properties

2. Paper Industry

Kaolin is mostly used in the paper industry as a paper coating, enhancing appearance by adding to smoothness, gloss, and brightness. It also makes printing easier. It is also utilized as a filler in the paper industry, which reduces costs and the usage of tree-based resources.

3. Ceramics and China Industry

Many people assume that the sole use for kaolin is in the manufacture of china. This is not the case, as its use in the paper industry much outnumbers its other applications. Kaolin, on the other hand, is still used in the production of china and other dinnerware. Its color, gloss, and hardness make it ideal for such applications.

4. Agriculture Industry

Kaolin has an aluminosilicate particle covering that is sprayed on crops right away. By interfering with feeding behavior and egg-laying, increasing mortality, visually or chemically concealing the crop, and lengthening developmental time, the film minimizes insects and disease. Kaolin has been shown to reduce the number of thrips and weevils, as well as other diseases caused by insects.

Related: Kaolin Spray: An Alternative Pest Control for Your Gardens

5. Paint Industry

Calcined kaolin is used in paint as a functional extender. This is due to the fact that kaolin clay is chemically inert, has a high covering power, has excellent flow characteristics, and minimizes the number of costly pigments needed. Its hardness also increases the physical endurance and burnish resistance of the paint film.

Related: All You Need to Know about Kaolin Clay as Paints & Coatings

6. Skincare Industry

Clay face masks containing kaolin are considered to offer numerous advantages, including acne prevention, dry skin treatment, and oil or sebum absorption. Kaolin is also believed to be the most delicate and mild clay used in skin treatment.

Because of its ability to absorb oil and smooth skin, kaolin clay is widely utilized in skincare products. Furthermore, because kaolin is softer on the skin, it may be used as an exfoliator.

Kaolin noodles can make your skin seem more toned and tightened over time, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. There are also specialty kaolin clays, such as Brazilian red and crude clays, that have been clinically proven to increase elasticity and firmness.

7. Health and Medicinal Industry

The most common application of kaolin is treating diarrhea. It is also used to treat swelling and ulcers within the mouth (oral mucositis), to halt bleeding, and for other diseases. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the majority of these claims.

Topically, kaolin has been utilized as a drying agent and an emollient. It is used specifically to dry oozing and weeping poison ivy, oak, and sumac wounds. Besides, kaolin has been used as a preventative measure to relieve anorectal irritation and diaper rash.

Kaolin, on the other hand, is occasionally put to wounds to assist stop the bleeding. Kaolin is also a food ingredient that is used as a filler in tablets.

Based on the kaolin applications listed above, we can fairly claim that this mineral is one of the most adaptable industrial minerals. You may use it as a combination to increase ceramic strength and color, improve paper quality, deep-clean your skin pores, and so on. However, it is important to note that kaolin should only be used in industrial processes by qualified professionals.

Yukami is a leading kaolin manufacturer in Indonesia with over 30 years of experience. We offer a wide range of kaolin products and services, and we work with qualified professionals to ensure that our products are used safely and effectively.

If you are looking for kaolin for your industrial process, please contact Yukami today. We would be happy to help you find the right product and service for your needs.