A nanoscale simulation study of the elastic behaviour in kaolinite clay under pressure

► Kaolinite is quite compressible compared to the other clays. This reflects the possible uses in several applications including external constraints. ► The elastic constants such as C33, C13, C23 and C34 have a positive slope under pressure with 15%, 6%, 6% and 1.3%, respectively. ► A decrease of the Young modulus is noticed in a and b directions, whereas an increase in c direction appears with a slope equal to 10%.