Calcium Carbonate Filler

material

An inorganic mineral filler derived from limestone or chalk, commonly used in plastics to reduce costs, improve stiffness, and enhance processing characteristics.

In Simple Terms

Calcium carbonate is a white mineral powder added to plastic resins to make them cheaper to produce while improving certain properties. It's one of the most widely used fillers in the plastics industry, helping reduce material costs and enhance stiffness.

Why It Matters

Critical for cost reduction in plastic compounds, calcium carbonate filler can lower raw material costs by 10-30% while improving flexural modulus and dimensional stability. It also enhances processing by reducing shrinkage and cycle times in molding operations.

Technical Details

Available in precipitated (PCC) or ground (GCC) forms with particle sizes from 0.1-10 microns. Loading levels typically range from 5-40% by weight. Surface treatments with stearic acid or coupling agents improve polymer-filler adhesion and processing. Affects melt flow rate and requires careful dispersion during compounding.

Real-World Examples

PVC pipe compound

20% calcium carbonate loading reduces resin costs while maintaining required stiffness and improving extrusion processability

Polypropylene automotive parts

Ultrafine CaCO3 at 15% loading increases flexural modulus for dashboard components without significantly impacting impact resistance

HDPE film applications

Surface-treated calcium carbonate at 5-8% loading acts as antiblock agent while providing cost savings in blown film production