Chemical Name:
Hydrated Aluminum Silicate (AlSiO
(OH)).
Appearance:
A fine, white or off-white powder, odorless and tasteless.
Purity Requirements:
Must primarily consist of kaolin (hydrated aluminum silicate).
Impurities such as heavy metals, arsenic, lead, and iron must be within specified limits.
Moisture Content:
The loss on drying is usually specified, with limits typically around 10-15% moisture.
pH:
The pH of an aqueous suspension (usually at 1-2% w/v) is typically 4.5 - 5.5 (slightly acidic).
Microscopy:
It should meet specified requirements for microscopic examination, which can verify the presence of kaolin and the absence of contaminants.
Microbial Contamination:
Must comply with limits for total microbial count, and there should be no pathogenic organisms present.
Heavy Metal Content:
Limits on heavy metals, typically not exceeding 20 ppm for lead and other metals as specified by BP standards.
Ash Content:
Ash value is typically specified to check the inorganic content, generally around <1%.
Application:
Primarily used in pharmaceutical formulations for its absorbent properties (e.g., in antacid preparations and diarrhea treatments) and for topical use in cosmetics.