Kaolin dosage

Kaolin determination allows us to characterize the composition and purity of this natural white clay, used in many industrial sectors, including cosmetics, natural pharmacy, ceramics, plastics, and the environment. The analysis aims to determine the mineralogical nature of the material as well as the possible presence of metallic or silicate impurities that could alter its properties or limit its use.

This service is aimed at manufacturers, formulators and suppliers of raw materials wishing to guarantee the conformity and quality of their kaolin-based products according to current technical and regulatory requirements.

Kaolin: a technical and natural clay

Kaolin (CAS No. 1332-58-7) is a white clay consisting primarily of kaolinite , a hydrated aluminum silicate. This mineral is formed by the weathering of feldspar-rich rocks, such as granites, and is distinguished by its high purity and fineness.

Thanks to its physicochemical properties – whiteness, chemical inertness, low abrasiveness, covering power and high adsorption – kaolin is widely used in:

• cosmetics powders , absorbent treatments),
• natural pharmacy ( excipient, adsorbent or soothing agent),
• ceramics and porcelain ,
• the formulation of paints and polymers ,
• materials and mineral fillers ,
• the treatment of industrial soils and sludge .

The mineralogical and chemical purity of kaolin directly influences its whiteness, adsorption capacity and compatibility with formulated matrices. Dosage therefore makes it possible to verify its compliance with specific specifications and to ensure consistency of quality between batches.

Objectives and measured parameters

The dosage of kaolin aims to:

• identify the nature and proportion of the constituent minerals (kaolinite, quartz, illite, montmorillonite, etc.),
• determine the contents of major and trace elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, Na, K, Mg),
• assess the chemical purity and whiteness of the product,
• detect possible metallic or silicate impurities,
• verify the compliance of natural raw materials with industrial standards.

This information is essential for quality control of supplies , the qualification of new deposits or the validation of formulations in which kaolin is used as a functional filler.

Analytical methods used

The characterization of kaolin is based on several complementary analytical methods allowing a complete approach to its chemical and mineralogical composition:

• X-ray diffraction (XRD) : reference method for identifying the crystalline phases present in the sample and determining the proportion of kaolinite in relation to accessory minerals (quartz, illite, smectite).
• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) : a non-destructive technique used to quantify major and minor chemical elements, expressed as oxides (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, etc.).
• ICP-OES or ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma optical emission or mass spectrometry) : allows precise analysis of trace metal elements, including at concentrations below one ppm, in order to verify the compliance of the kaolin with the required purity thresholds.

These methods are complementary and make it possible to obtain a complete map of the material, combining mineralogical, chemical and structural information.

For mineral or clay characterization projects, these analyses can be combined with other services from the YesWeLab catalog such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), or ICP-MS spectrometry.

Industrial applications

Kaolin dosage applies to several sectors:

• Cosmetics and natural pharmacy : verification of the purity of kaolin used in masks, powders, poultices or capsules; control of metallic contaminants.
• Ceramics and refractory materials : validation of the mineralogical composition and thermal properties of kaolin before incorporation into ceramic pastes.
• Polymers and composites : control of mineral fillers incorporated in technical plastics and coatings to ensure their whiteness and dispersion.
• Environment and geosciences : identification of clays in soils and industrial sludge, study of deposits and monitoring of decontamination processes.

YesWeLab also offers complementary analyses to evaluate the functional properties of clays and mineral materials, such as laser granulometry, BET specific surface area, or even thermal differentiation (ATG-DSC).

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of laboratories specialized in the characterization of materials, clays, and industrial minerals. These laboratories are equipped with the latest generation of DRX, XRF, and ICP-MS equipment, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of results.

Most partners are certified or accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard and the COFRAC standard, ensuring compliance and traceability of analytical data.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists its clients in choosing the most appropriate methods based on the nature of the sample and the testing objective (purity, conformity, identification). Thanks to its digital platform, analysis management is simplified: online quote requests, sample tracking, and rapid receipt of analytical reports.

Since 2020, many manufacturers in the cosmetics, ceramics, polymers and environmental sectors have trusted YesWeLab for their mineralogical and physicochemical analyses.

Technical data

• CAS No.: 1332-58-7
• Methods: XRD, X-ray fluorescence, ICP-MS, ICP-OES
• Expertise: Physicochemical
• Sectors of activity: Environment, cosmetics, materials
• Measured parameters: Mineralogical composition and major/trace elements

For any specific request or need for technical support, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical advice tailored to your mineral raw materials.