Colloidal and Thermal Behaviors of Some Venezuelan Kaolin Pastes for Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

This work contributes to the knowledge of colloidal and thermal properties of some important primary-originated kaolin deposits from Bolivar State, Venezuela, and their possible use as semisolid formulations in medicinal muds for topical applications. Eight selected high purity kaolin samples were characterized. Rheological and thermal properties were correlated to physico-chemical characteristics of the clay suspensions (pH, Ca2+, and Mg2+ cation desorption and surface charge). Most of the studied kaolin pastes showed adequate viscosities, acceptable skin safe pH, and good thermal properties for pelotherapeutic uses. Three of the studied samples, in particular, showed very high kaolinite purities (>92% kaolinite), elevated viscosities (>1 Pa · s), and good thermal and pH performances for topical application.