Calcium carbonate is quite a common mineral that can be found throughout the world. In fact, it’s estimated that about 4% of the world’s crust is covered by calcium carbonate.
Calcium carbonate can take many forms such as limestone, chalk, marble, and others. It forms from the sedimentation of shells, corals, shellfish over millions of years.
Calcium carbonate is an extremely versatile mineral and has numerous applications and uses in various industries, including coating and compounding.
Calcium Carbonate Uses
Calcium carbonate can be used for a variety of purposes, including industrial ones. But, its largest application is in paints, coating, plastic, and paper. The reason calcium carbonate is so widely used across many industries is for its ability to reduce costs and provide boosted mechanical properties.
Due to its light-scattering properties, it’s widely used in the paper industry to create opaque paper. It’s also used in paints as an extender for pigments, such as titanium dioxide to enhance or minimize gloss.
When it comes to plastic compounding, calcium carbonate is used as a filler and impact modifier.
Calcium carbonate is also widely used in the construction industry, both as a building material on its own and also as a key ingredient in making cement.
Another use for this mineral is in the food and personal health industry. Calcium carbonate is used as a calcium supplement, for example, but it can also be found in the foods industry as a key ingredient of baking powders, dough, and so on.
The Differences Between Coated and Uncoated Calcium Carbonate
In its natural state, calcium carbonate is hydrophilic, meaning that it tends to attract water, mix with it, absorb it, or be easily dissolved in it. But, there are industries, like the plastic one, where this characteristic of calcium carbonate can actually be a problem and create a lot of friction.
You can change this property of calcium carbonate and coat it to reduce the friction and make the mineral hydrophobic (meaning to repel water.)
One way to coat calcium carbonate is by using a stearic acid and spraying it onto the calcium carbonate.
Coated calcium carbonate is used in paints, as a filler for paper, in ceramics applications, and the health supplements industry.
Bisley Company Provides Both Coated and Uncoated Calcium Carbonate
If you are looking for high-quality coated or uncoated calcium carbonate, we here at the Bisley Company are ready to help you.
We don’t only provide quality materials, but top-notch services too. We help our clients find the right option for their needs and assist them throughout the entire process. If you are not sure whether you need coated or uncoated calcium carbonate, get in touch with our team and we will advise you and help you make the right decision.
Contact us now for more information or to request a quote.