Research-led processing
Our process and application technology is developed by the NKPL team together with CSIR-NIIST, India's premier interdisciplinary research laboratory.
Working with CSIR-NIIST
CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, is our partner for process and application research.
Together we work on how best to refine our raw material and on how our grades behave in customer formulations.
Our approach is inspired by nature. Kaolinite forms as fine hexagonal plates, and much of its value comes from preserving and controlling that structure.
How kaolin is refined
Wet processing turns crude clay into a consistent performance mineral. These are the main stages in a modern kaolin route.
Blunging
Crude clay is dispersed in water to free kaolinite from sand and impurities.
Degritting
Coarse sand and grit are screened and settled out.
Classification
Hydrocyclones and centrifuges separate particles by size.
Purification
Magnetic separation and bleaching lift brightness by removing iron and titanium minerals.
Dewatering
Filter presses remove water from the refined slurry.
Drying
The clay is dried to the moisture customers specify.
Calcination
Controlled heating produces calcined grades with higher brightness and opacity.
Testing & packing
Every lot is tested against specification before dispatch.
We work inside your process
Our technology is guided by Dr Nelson, formerly DGM, R&D at EICL Ltd and an expert in polymer and paper coating formulations.
Our application team works with customers to understand their formulation, equipment and cost targets. We then run time-bound development projects to tailor kaolin to that process.
For many customers the payoff is a cheaper formulation that performs the same or better. In paint, that often means using calcined kaolin to reduce TiO₂ without losing hiding.
Advanced kaolin materials
We are working on next-generation kaolin materials, including nano kaolin. A limited number of partners can join us early to co-develop them for their own applications, in confidence.
Have a formulation challenge?
Tell us what you're trying to achieve. Our application team will propose a trial.