Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN, OTC:ANDMF) has welcomed the findings of a report by the Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC) at the University of Castellan in Spain, which found the company’s Great White CRM™ has potential to displace zircon in ceramic tiles.
The final report has confirmed the high brightness of Great White CRM™ and measured its capacity to displace zircon used in ceramic tiles by up to 20% when compared to standard kaolin used commercially in the ceramics industry.
Superior to standard kaolin
“The study carried out has allowed us to conclude that the use of Great White CRM kaolin in porcelain tile compositions increase their whiteness with respect to standard kaolins," the ITC report stated.
“The same improvement is observed when zircon is used, although the increase depends on the percentage of zircon.
“Therefore, the main conclusion of this study is that the use of Great White CRM kaolin in porcelain tile composition can reduce zircon content in percentages of up to 20% depending on the whiteness to be achieved and the mixture of raw materials used.”
Measured whiteness (L*) of ceramic formulations after firing at maximum densification temperature with varying percentages of zircon (and kaolin).
“These results are outstanding and represent a strong competitive advantage against other kaolins available in the market,” Andromeda Metals CEO and managing director Bob Katsiouleris said.
“The report supports the premium pricing achieved by Andromeda for Great White CRM™, through demonstrating the high value in use of using Great White CRM™ in porcelain tile formulations, by reducing the need for higher-priced zircon to achieve a required level of whiteness.
“This is particularly so given zircon prices have been consistently trading above US$2,000 per tonne.”
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