Description

Illite is a naturally occurring, non-expanding clay mineral belonging to the mica group, widely valued for its unique colloidal properties and chemical stability. This material serves as a critical functional additive and rheological modifier across numerous industrial sectors. Key industries that utilize Illite CAS NO 12173-60-3 include ceramics, construction, paints & coatings, agriculture, and environmental remediation, where it acts as a binder, filler, suspending agent, and ion-exchange medium.

Application

• Ceramics & Refractories: Acts as a plasticizer and binder in clay bodies, improving workability and green strength of wares and refractory bricks.
• Construction Materials: Used as a functional filler and extender in cement, plasters, joint compounds, and sealants to enhance consistency and performance.
• Paints, Coatings & Inks: Functions as a rheological modifier and suspending agent to prevent settling of pigments and control viscosity.
• Agriculture & Horticulture: Employed as a soil conditioner to improve moisture retention, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and nutrient availability.
• Environmental Remediation: Utilized for its ion-exchange properties in wastewater treatment and as a component in barriers for contaminant containment.
• Foundry & Drilling Fluids: Serves as a bonding agent in foundry sands and a viscosity control agent in drilling muds.
• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Incorporated into formulations like masks and powders for its absorbent and texturizing properties.

Basic Information

Product Name	Illite
CAS No.	12173-60-3
Molecular Formula	K0.65Al2.0[Al0.65Si3.35O10](OH)2 (Typical)
Molecular Weight	~389.3 g/mol (for formula above)
Synonyms	Hydromica; Illite Clay; Clay Mineral Illite; Glimmerite; Potassium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide; K-Aluminosilicate; Iltis; Sedimentary Mica
EINECS	235-349-1

Quality Control

Our Illite is sourced and processed under strict quality protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency for industrial applications. Quality is monitored against key parameters including mineralogical composition, particle size distribution, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and chemical purity. While we offer standard technical and ceramic grades, Certificates of Analysis (COA) documenting specific lot characteristics are available upon request to meet your procurement and quality assurance requirements.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Due to its hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) nature, the container must be kept sealed when not in use to prevent caking and moisture absorption. Ideal storage temperature is between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). Keep away from incompatible materials.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Fine, off-white to pale gray powder
Identification (XRD)	Complies (Characteristic Illite pattern)
Loss on Drying (LOD)	≤ 8.0 %
Particle Size (D50)	≤ 10 µm (Other grades available)
pH (in water suspension)	6.0 - 8.5
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)	10 - 40 meq/100g
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.