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How To Modify Calcium Carbonate Powder?-Calcium Carbonate Powder Modification Methods

Calcium carbonate (CaCO) powder modification involves various techniques aimed at improving its properties for use in different industrial applications. These modifications can enhance characteristics such as dispersibility, hydrophobicity, particle size, compatibility with various matrices, and specific functional properties. Here are some common methods of modifying calcium carbonate powder:

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1. Surface Coating

Surface coating involves applying a layer of another material onto the surface of calcium carbonate particles. Common coating agents include:

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Calcium Carbonate Powder Surface Coating Machine

Stearic Acid: Enhances hydrophobicity and dispersibility in non-polar matrices such as plastics and rubber.

Silane Coupling Agents: Improve compatibility with organic polymers, enhancing adhesion and mechanical properties.

Titanate Coupling Agents: Increase compatibility with different matrices and improve processing characteristics.

Polymeric Coatings: Can impart specific functionalities, such as improved dispersibility or chemical resistance.

2. Particle Size Reduction

Grinding and milling techniques are used to reduce the particle size of calcium carbonate.

Commonly used grinding equipment include Raymond mill, ultrafine mill...They can reduce the fineness of calcium carbonate powder to 50-3000 mesh.

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Raymond Mill

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Ultrafine Mill



Fine particles can improve the performance of the powder in applications such as:

 

Paints and Coatings: Providing better opacity, whiteness, and smooth texture.

Plastics and Polymers: Enhancing mechanical properties and surface finish.

Paper: Increasing brightness and smoothness.

3. Surface Activation

Surface activation techniques increase the reactivity and surface area of calcium carbonate particles. These methods include:

 

Acid Treatment: Enhances the surface area and can introduce active sites for further functionalization.

Alkali Treatment: Modifies surface properties to improve compatibility with certain materials.

4. Functionalization

Functionalization introduces specific functional groups onto the surface of calcium carbonate particles, tailoring them for particular applications. Techniques include:

 

Silane Treatment: Adding organosilane groups to improve adhesion to organic materials.

Titanate Treatment: Introducing organotitanate groups to enhance compatibility and performance in composites.

5. Thermal Treatment

Thermal treatment, such as calcination, can alter the crystal structure of calcium carbonate, potentially enhancing its properties for specific uses. This process can be used to produce different forms of calcium carbonate, such as:

 

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC): Offering higher purity and controlled particle size.

Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC): Providing a more natural form with varying particle sizes.

Aspect

Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC)

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC)

Production Method

Mined and mechanically ground from natural sources such as limestone, chalk, or marble

Chemically synthesized by reacting calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide

Particle Size

Typically larger and less uniform; particle sizes vary depending on grinding process

Precisely controlled, finer, and more uniform; tailored to specific applications

Particle Shape

Irregular and angular shapes due to mechanical grinding

Can be controlled to specific shapes (e.g., rhombohedral, scalenohedral) during precipitation

Purity

Generally lower, containing natural impurities

Higher purity due to controlled synthesis and removal of impurities

Brightness

Can vary; generally lower compared to PCC

Higher brightness and whiteness due to high purity and controlled synthesis

Production Cost

Lower due to simpler mechanical processing

Higher due to complex chemical synthesis process

Applications

Construction materials, low-cost fillers in plastics, paper, paints, rubber, and adhesives

High-quality fillers and coatings in paper, pharmaceuticals, food, high-performance plastics, and specialized paints and coatings

Quality Control

Less control over particle size and purity

High control over particle size, shape, and purity

Specific Advantages

Cost-effective for bulk applications, natural composition

Tailored properties for high-performance applications, higher performance due to controlled characteristics

 

6. Co-precipitation

Co-precipitation involves precipitating calcium carbonate in the presence of other substances, creating modified particles with enhanced properties. This method can be used to introduce dopants or create composite materials with tailored characteristics.

 

Applications of Modified Calcium Carbonate Powder

Modified calcium carbonate powder is used across various industries due to its enhanced properties:

 

Plastics and Polymers: As a filler to improve mechanical properties, reduce costs, and enhance processing.

Paints and Coatings: For improved opacity, whiteness, and weather resistance.

Paper: As a filler and coating pigment to enhance brightness, smoothness, and printability.

Adhesives and Sealants: To improve rheology, mechanical properties, and reduce shrinkage.

Pharmaceuticals: As an excipient with controlled release properties and improved bioavailability.

Rubber: Enhancing tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and processability.

 

Modifying calcium carbonate powder is essential for optimizing its performance in a wide range of industrial applications. By selecting appropriate modification techniques, manufacturers can tailor calcium carbonate to meet specific requirements, enhancing the functionality and value of the final products.


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