PROPERTIES OF KAOLINITE AS A FUNCTION OF ITS PARTICLE SIZE*

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Abstract
This investigation was undertaken to ascertain whether or not certain properties of kaolinite are definite functions of particle size. The studies were carried out on carefully fractionated, single‐base kaolinite. The following properties of these fractions were measured: (a) base‐exchange capacity, (b) permeability, (c) heat of wetting, (d) thermal conduct, and (e) drying shrinkage. Base‐exchange capacity, heat of wetting, and drying shrinkage are not simple functions of the measured particle size of kaolinite because of the unpredictable physical characteristics and habits of the crystalline aggregates. The first three properties named are each linear functions of the other. These properties are independent of the physical groupings of the kaolinite crystals and therefore cannot be predicted from measured particle size except in the case of the finest fractions. Permeability is dependent both on apparent surface and true surface. Thermal‐analysis curves may be useful as a rough guide to clay properties.

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