Plastic white clay for ceramic tile bodies
A fine, highly plastic, high-alumina white clay from our own mine in Kutch, supplied to ceramic tile makers in Morbi and across Gujarat. Kaolinitic, low in iron, very low in grit.
Ceramic raw-material evaluation · India supply, export on request
This is not bentonite, and we do not sell it as bentonite. It is a kaolinitic plastic clay: it does not swell, it fires to a light cream colour, and its value lies in plasticity and dry strength.
Tile makers use a clay like this to make a body easier to press and stronger before firing. Its residue is very low (0.13% on 240 mesh), so it needs little or no further grinding.
We supply it within India, by truck, to Morbi, Thangadh and other ceramic clusters. Export lots can be quoted on request.
Where it is used
Plastic white clay specification
Plastic white clay
Results from a ceramic raw-material evaluation of one lot
| Property | Test method | Unit | Measured | Supply range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al₂O₃ | Chemical analysis | % | 32.9 | 30–35 |
| Fe₂O₃ | Chemical analysis | % | 1.18 | ≤ 1.5 |
| TiO₂ | Chemical analysis | % | 3.0 | ≤ 3.5 |
| MgO | Chemical analysis | % | 0.27 | — |
| Na₂O | Chemical analysis | % | 0.47 | — |
| Loss on ignition | 1000 °C | % | 12.1 | 11–13 |
| Water of plasticity | Ceramic test | % | 59.5 | — |
| Residue on 240 mesh | Wet sieve | % | 0.128 | ≤ 0.5 |
| Dry modulus of rupture | Ceramic test | kg/cm² | 20.1 | ≥ 15 |
| Fired shrinkage | 1192–1202 °C, 50 min | % | 18.3 | — |
| Water absorption, fired | 1192–1202 °C, 50 min | % | 2.1 | — |
| Fired colour, L* | Colorimeter | — | 78.4 | — |
How tile makers use it
As a plastic binder clay at moderate additions in the body recipe. Fired shrinkage is high when fired on its own, so it is blended rather than used alone. We send a sample for your own body trial before the first truck.
Supply
Within India, by truck, in bulk or bagged on request. Morbi, Thangadh and other Gujarat ceramic clusters. Export lots quoted on request.
Frequently asked questions
Is plastic white clay the same as bentonite?
No. Plastic white clay is kaolinitic: it does not swell and it is used in ceramics for plasticity and dry strength. Bentonite is a swelling smectite clay used in drilling, foundry, civil work and pelletising.
What is plastic white clay used for?
Mainly as a binder clay in ceramic wall and floor tile bodies, where it makes the body easier to press and stronger before firing. It is also used in refractory mixes.
Where do you supply plastic white clay?
Within India, by truck, to Morbi, Thangadh and other ceramic clusters. Export lots can be quoted on request.
Why does it fire cream rather than white?
It carries around 3% titanium dioxide, which gives a light cream fired colour. Iron is low at 1.18% Fe₂O₃, so it does not fire red or brown.
Other products: Drilling gradeCivil / piling gradeFoundry gradePelletising grade
Test it against what you buy today.
A 2.5 kg sample with its certificate of analysis, sent by DHL or FedEx. Tell us your current supplier's figures and we will tell you honestly how ours compare.