Kaolin Range
Imerys offers a wide range of kaolins for ACS manufacturers, including hydrous kaolins, calcined kaolins, surface-modified products and pre-dispersed grades. By harnessing the natural properties of kaolin we can provide solutions which demonstrate—among others—very good dispersion and improved mechanical properties in adhesives, caulks and sealants.
Hydrous kaolin for water-based adhesives
Two types of hydrous kaolin are generally used in water-based adhesive (WBA) formulations:
- Coarse primary kaolins are adapted for use in low viscosity adhesives
- Fine secondary kaolins are suitable for use in high viscosity adhesives
Key benefits
- Improved rheology and wet tack
- Optimal binder consumption in grams weight per square meter
Calcined kaolin for moisture-cured high modulus polyurethane formulations
Calcined kaolin is an anhydrous aluminum silicate produced by calcining fine hydrous kaolin in controlled conditions to temperatures exceeding 1000oC. The passivated aluminum-silicate surface makes it a value-added additive for moisture-curing elastic bonding materials particularly for high reinforcement in one- and two-component polyurethane formulas.
Key benefits
- Exceptional dispersion
- Improved drying time, increasing throughput
- Rheology modification - reducing slump
- Improved cohesive strength
- Enhanced tear resistance and impact strength
- Improved flow, penetration and adhesion (especially in starch and synthetic resin systems)
- Good acid resistance
- Improved dimensional stability
- Improved barrier properties
- Whiteness
Recommended grades:
- Polwhite™ medium particle recommended for pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
- Argirec™ grades are ideal for water-based adhesives such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
- Speswhite™ for good reinforcement in sandable acrylic sealants
- Devolite™ pre-dispersed coarse kaolin for high loading and barrier properties in high quality latex seals
- Polestar® calcined kaolin recommended for polyurethane systems
- Polarite® surface modified kaolin for moisture sensitive applications
We offer a full range of custom formulation and technical and process support services to help you match the right mineral grade to your application requirement.