Particle size directly affects how quickly and completely a raw material reacts during firing.
Technical Details
Finer particles (smaller size) have more surface area per unit weight, which means faster dissolution into the glass phase, more complete reaction in fast-firing kilns, and more uniform final product. Our K200 (200 mesh = 74 microns maximum) reacts approximately 30-40% faster than K100 (100 mesh = 150 microns maximum) at the same temperature. This faster reactivity matters most in modern fast-firing roller kilns with 40-60 minute total cycles — where reaction time at peak temperature may be only 5-10 minutes. In these kilns, K200 achieves more complete vitrification than K100 at the same temperature, resulting in lower water absorption and better body strength. Conversely, K100 particle size is adequate for longer firing cycles (60+ minutes) and lower-technology kilns where the additional reactivity of K200 is not needed. The whiteness advantage of finer particles: the 200-mesh grinding in K200 production involves additional wet processing stages that further reduce iron content — the extended grinding liberates more trapped iron mineral particles for magnetic capture.
Practical Application
Cost consideration: K200 costs more than K100 due to the additional grinding and classification steps. Choose K200 when fast-firing reactivity and maximum whiteness justify the premium. Choose K100 for standard production where adequate performance at lower cost is the priority..
