Calcined Kaolin
Kaolin is pure clay mineral, having a fired chemistry of 1 molar part Al 2 O 3 and 2 parts SiO 2. However the raw clay crystals are hydrated, having 12% crystal-bound water. This is the secret to their plasticity. Calcining the material removes that water and destroys the plasticity. Calcined kaolin is not commonly used in traditional ceramics ...