Characterisation of kaolinite colloidal and flow behaviour via crystallinity measurements

This study evaluates the possibility of predicting colloidal and flow behaviour of kaolinite suspensions by measuring kaolinite crystallinity. The Hinckley index of different samples was calculated from XRD spectra as an indicator of the crystallinity. Kaolinite samples with a high Hinckley index showed a defined platy morphology with smooth surfaces of low surface area, whilst progressively roughened basal planes with prevalent broken edges were observed in kaolinite samples of lower Hinckley indices. Despite similarity in the elemental composition, the kaolinite samples present different surface charge properties, likely due to variations in exposed pH dependent edge sites. Poorly crystallised kaolinite samples were characterised by higher yield stresses and viscosities. This study highlights the importance of crystallinity characterisation towards predicting colloidal behaviour and flow characteristics of kaolinite suspensions