Abstract
In view of innovated utilization of Korean clay resources conventional techniques for pulverization are reviewed in comparison with fluid energy milling processes of fluidized-bed type. Throughout experiment indigenous halloysite ores (white grade) after usual pretreatment are employed as typical sample. It is evidenced that grinding by means of porcelain ball mills has limitation in reducing clay particles to less than 10${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ in diameter regardless of whether it is processed in dry or wet. Upon use of tungsten carbide bull mill particulation to submicron sizes could be effected with relative ease but severe coloration in grey is attended indicating metallic contamination possibly from friction of the grinding apparatus itself. In contrast the modified fluid en ergy milling enables particulation to $\leq$10${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ in diameter with simultaneous classification int olimited ranges of particle size distributions. Since this technique is in principle based on the interparticle collisions rather than on the frictions between particles and mill surfaces minimum impurity attendance would be an additional advantage. Evidence leads to the conclusion that the fluidized-bed type milling is regarded as highly effective in puverization as well as fractionation of the clay minerals under examination. This is especially so in contemplating high-value and/or high-purity clay products.