MULLITIZATION OF KAOLINITE*

Abstract

A bstract The thermal behavior of kaolinite was studied by electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. This study has shown that hexagonal‐shaped particles persist far above the dehydration temperature of kaolinite. It was concluded that two stages of reaction represent the steps in the firing of kaolinite. First, the chemically combined water is removed, resulting in the formation of a uniquely organized, noncrystalline compound. Second, the noncrystalline compound collapses into crystalline mullite nuclei which exhibit normal growth.