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Industries / Ground Calcium Carbonate

Aragonite for Ground Calcium Carbonate.

A natural aragonite feedstock for fine-ground and functional-filler formulations.

Plastics Industry brochure

The functional-filler application

Mineral form, chemistry and distribution specified together.

Oolitic aragonite is an orthorhombic calcium-carbonate mineral ground and classified for plastics, coatings, sealants and other filled systems. Composition is 96.17% CaCO3, with particle distribution and surface treatment tailored to the formulation.

Mineral identity

Aragonite and calcite are calcium-carbonate polymorphs with different crystal systems. Formulation behavior must be established in the actual matrix.

Particle engineering

D-values, top size, fines, agglomeration and classification method affect dispersion, viscosity, surface finish and processing.

Surface area

Representative analysis gives > 1.7 m2/g.

Chemistry and appearance

Trace chemistry, moisture, color and whiteness align with finished-product requirements.

What matters to a compounder

The formulation sees the delivered powder, not the mineral name.

Application requirements, particle sizing, chemistry and handling guide product selection and use.

Particle-size targets

Define D10, D50, D90, top size, residue and agglomerate limits using the formulation and process requirement.

Moisture and handling

Set limits for moisture, bulk handling, feeding, dust collection and storage based on the production system.

Surface and compatibility

Evaluate untreated or treated-product requirements, resin or binder compatibility, dispersion energy and additive interactions.

Finished-property testing

Measure rheology, mechanical properties, opacity, gloss, surface finish and weathering as applicable to the formulation.

Application path

A practical path from specification to use.

Define the operating requirements, select the grade and measure results through the appropriate laboratory, bench or field program.

01

Set the target

Provide the matrix, loading, particle specification, appearance targets and process constraints.

02

Compound

Run controlled laboratory or pilot batches against the incumbent filler using the same processing conditions.

03

Produce

Transfer the selected particle profile and processing conditions into the manufacturing plan.

Material comparison

Compare the delivered material, not a generic name.

Compare chemistry, particle profile and application role across material options.

Decision factors for functional calcium-carbonate fillers
Decision factorAragonite GCCCalcitic GCCPrecipitated CaCO3
Origin and formNatural orthorhombic CaCO3Natural calcitic CaCO3Manufactured calcium carbonate
Particle profileGround and classified to product targetGround and classified to product targetProcess-designed; grade-specific
Surface area> 1.7 m2/gGrade-dependentGrade-dependent
Substitution decisionFormulation and process testingFormulation and process testingFormulation and process testing

Application design

A functional filler engineered within the complete formulation.

Particle profile, dispersion energy and additive interactions shape strength, opacity, gloss, barrier and processing performance.

Side-by-side formulation work establishes loading and processing conditions against the incumbent filler.

Where to go next

Specify a grade for this application.

Discuss a particle target and formulation program.

Send the matrix, loading, target distribution, annual volume and destination for product matching and pricing.