Thermal paper, a specialized coated paper capable of producing images directly through thermal action, finds extensive applications in fax machines, communication devices, measuring systems, thermal instruments, computer networking terminals, as well as in the printing of trademarks and signatures. As information technology rapidly advances, technologies like ticket printing and barcode systems have become prevalent. Consequently, the demand for thermal paper in logistics, supermarkets, ticket printing, and other sectors has experienced significant growth. According to reports, China witnessed a remarkable increase in thermal paper production in 2020, reaching 530,000 tons with a growth rate exceeding 10%.

The coating of thermal paper primarily consists of a top coat and a bottom coat. The top coat serves as the functional layer responsible for the coloration of thermal paper, while the bottom coat enhances paper smoothness and provides a thermal insulation layer, ensuring efficient heat transfer to the surface coloration layer. Plastic pigments play a crucial role in the base coatings of thermal paper.

The distinctive hollow structure of these pigments makes the coating porous, imparting excellent heat insulation properties. However, the cost of these plastic pigments is relatively high, reaching around 25,000 yuan per ton, contributing to a substantial paint cost. In this context, coal measures kaolin emerges as a valuable resource in China, boasting the world's largest reserves at 1.67 billion tons. With its large deposit scale, favorable occurrence conditions, convenient mining, high quality, and outstanding performance, coal measures kaolin is an advantageous material.

Typically associated with bauxite and coal seams, coal measures kaolin exhibits high carbon content, resulting in a mostly black, gray, or brown appearance. The raw ore is commonly utilized in industries such as ceramics, fire resistance, and rubber after direct grinding, meeting the needs of applications with stringent color requirements.

In the business realm, calcined kaolin stands out as a profound processing product derived from coal measures kaolin through ultra-fine grinding and high-temperature calcination. Renowned for its high whiteness, strong activity, high porosity, light-scattering performance, and exceptional thermal stability, calcined kaolin is employed in low-weight coated paper and coated box board applications. It significantly enhances the whiteness and opacity of paper, consequently improving printability and contributing to the overall quality of the end product.