Metakaolin vs. Kaolin — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Metakaolin is a processed form of kaolin clay created through thermal treatment, enhancing its properties for use in concrete and ceramics. Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay mineral widely used in ceramics, paper, and cosmetics.
Difference Between Metakaolin and Kaolin
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Metakaolin is produced by calcining kaolin at high temperatures, removing the chemically bound water and increasing its reactivity. Kaolin, on the other hand, is an unprocessed clay mineral primarily composed of the mineral kaolinite and known for its white color and fine particle size.
Metakaolin, due to its enhanced reactivity, is valuable as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete, improving its strength and durability. Kaolin is commonly used in the production of porcelain, paper coating, and cosmetics due to its smooth texture and bright color.
Metakaolin is a synthetic product that enhances concrete properties, while kaolin is a naturally occurring raw material with diverse industrial applications.
While metakaolin provides better performance in construction due to its pozzolanic properties, kaolin is sought after for its fine particle size, whiteness, and plasticity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Calcined form of kaolin
Natural clay mineral
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Production
High-temperature thermal treatment
Mining and refining
Reactivity
High, pozzolanic
Low to moderate
Main Uses
Cement additive, ceramics
Ceramics, paper, cosmetics
Physical Properties
Enhanced reactivity, fine particles
Fine particles, bright white color
Compare with Definitions
Metakaolin
Calcined form of kaolin clay with high reactivity.
Metakaolin is added to concrete mixes to improve strength and resistance.
Kaolin
Major component is kaolinite.
Kaolin consists largely of the mineral kaolinite, a hydrated aluminosilicate.
Metakaolin
Obtained through the calcination of kaolin.
Calcining kaolin at high temperatures yields metakaolin.
Kaolin
Naturally occurring white clay mineral.
Kaolin is mined and refined for various industrial applications.
Metakaolin
Improves the properties of cement-based materials.
The construction project used metakaolin to enhance concrete durability.
Kaolin
Used in ceramics, paper, and cosmetics.
Kaolin is valued in the ceramics industry for its fine particle size and color.
Metakaolin
Has pozzolanic properties beneficial for construction.
Metakaolin reduces the porosity of concrete due to its pozzolanic activity.
Kaolin
Offers good plasticity and workability.
Potters prefer kaolin for its workability and smooth texture.
Metakaolin
Often used in high-performance concrete mixes.
Engineers recommend metakaolin for its excellent contribution to high-performance concrete.
Kaolin
Can be used to produce metakaolin.
Kaolin can be thermally treated to create metakaolin with enhanced reactivity.
Metakaolin
Metakaolin is the anhydrous calcined form of the clay mineral kaolinite. Minerals that are rich in kaolinite are known as china clay or kaolin, traditionally used in the manufacture of porcelain.
Kaolin
A fine clay used in ceramics and refractories, as a filler or coating for paper and textiles, as an additive in food and toothpaste, and as an antidiarrheal drug.
Metakaolin
A dehydroxylated form of the clay mineral kaolinite.
Kaolin
A fine clay, rich in kaolinite, used in ceramics, paper-making, etc.
Kaolin
A very pure white clay, ordinarily in the form of an impalpable powder, and used to form the paste of porcelain; China clay; porcelain clay. It is chiefly derived from the decomposition of common feldspar.
Kaolin
A fine usually white clay formed by the weathering of aluminous minerals (as feldspar); used in ceramics and as an absorbent and as a filler (e.g., in paper)
Common Curiosities
What is kaolin mainly used for?
Kaolin is used in ceramics, paper production, and cosmetics for its fine particle size, color, and smooth texture.
Why is metakaolin used in concrete?
Metakaolin enhances concrete strength and durability due to its pozzolanic properties.
Is metakaolin a natural or synthetic product?
Metakaolin is considered a synthetic product because it requires processing through calcination.
Can kaolin cause skin irritation?
Pure kaolin is generally gentle on the skin and is even used in cosmetics.
What is the primary difference between kaolin and metakaolin?
Kaolin is a natural clay mineral, while metakaolin is a processed form obtained by heating kaolin to enhance its reactivity.
Can kaolin be used directly in concrete?
Kaolin is not as effective directly in concrete as metakaolin because it lacks sufficient pozzolanic activity.
Is metakaolin beneficial in high-strength concrete?
Yes, metakaolin improves strength and durability, particularly in high-strength concrete applications.
Does kaolin have industrial uses beyond ceramics?
Yes, kaolin is used in paper coating, rubber production, and as a filler in various products.
Does metakaolin improve concrete's resistance to chemicals?
Yes, metakaolin improves concrete's resistance to chemicals like sulfates.
Can metakaolin help reduce carbon emissions in construction?
Yes, using metakaolin as a partial cement replacement can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production.
What properties make kaolin ideal for ceramics?
Kaolin's fine particle size, plasticity, and bright white color make it suitable for high-quality ceramic products.
What is the primary mineral component of kaolin?
Kaolin mainly comprises the mineral kaolinite, a type of aluminosilicate.
What effect does metakaolin have on concrete workability?
Metakaolin can reduce concrete workability, so it is often used with superplasticizers.
Is metakaolin suitable for other construction materials?
Yes, metakaolin can improve the properties of mortars and plaster besides concrete.
What is the primary environmental impact of metakaolin?
Metakaolin requires energy-intensive calcination, which can contribute to emissions if fossil fuels are used.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
