Colloid chemical control of kaolinite properties related to ceramic processing

Experimental data on structure formation in highly concentrated aqueous dis persions of kaolinite were analyzed using rheological models. The physicoch emical properties of the clay mineral surface were studied during heating a t a range of temperatures, and correlation of acid-base properties with phy sicomechanical characteristics of the spatial structures formed during heat ing was obtained. It was shown that interparticle interactions and plastic yield mechanisms under load are dependent upon interfacial phenomena. A met hod for estimating optimal structural parameters was developed for semidry dispersions, enabling regulation of physicochemical and mechanical properti es of ceramic mixtures during processing.