Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is a fundamental inorganic compound sourced from high-grade limestone, aragonite, and calcite deposits. In industrial manufacturing, it functions as a critical functional filler, rheology modifier, and cost-optimization agent. This technical document outlines the physical parameters, chemical stability, and cross-industry application benchmarks for procurement and materials engineering.
1. Physical & Chemical Characterization
Core Chemical Profile: High-purity precipitated and ground calcium carbonate (GCC/PCC) exhibits neutral pH (9.91) and is insoluble in water, ensuring matrix stability in aqueous and non-aqueous systems.
| Property |
Standard Value / Limit |
Testing Method / Note |
| Molecular Formula / Mass |
CaCO₃ / 100.09 g/mol |
CAS No: 471-34-1 |
| Purity (CaCO₃ Content) |
96% - 99.5% |
Determines filler effectiveness & brightness |
| Density |
2.71 - 2.93 g/mL |
At 25 °C (lit.) |
| Refractive Index |
1.6583 |
Critical for gloss/opacity control |
| Melting Point |
825 °C |
High thermal stability for polymer processing |
| Solubility |
14 mg/L (25℃) |
Soluble in HCl (Reaction releases CO₂) |
| Moisture Content |
< 0.5% |
Prevents clumping and curing interference |
2. Industrial Application Matrix & Functional Benefits
2.1 Polymers, Plastics & Rubber (SMC, BMC, Vinyl)
- Formability & Rheology: Enhances the flow properties of polyethylene resin during blow molding and extrusion.
- Mechanical Reinforcement: Maintains impact strength and tensile properties even at high filling volumes.
- Vinyl Flooring: Functions as a weighting agent and stiffener to ensure dimensional stability and flatness.
- Rubber Compounding: Acts as both an extender and detacktifying agent; provides abrasion resistance in heavy-duty applications.
2.2 Coatings, Paints & Adhesives
- TiO₂ Extension: Acts as a spacer for Titanium Dioxide, reducing raw material costs while maintaining opacity and whiteness (90% - 98%).
- Viscosity Control: Minimizes compound shrinkage and cracking in joint compounds and sealants.
- Gloss Management: Fine-tuned particle sizes (1-5μm) allow for precise enhancement or reduction of surface gloss.
2.3 Environmental & Specialized Applications
- Water Treatment: Used for pH adjustment, corrosion control, and remineralization in Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.
- Thermoset Systems: Essential extender in fiberglass-reinforced polyesters (SMC/BMC) with zero adverse effects on physical curing properties.
- Paper & Ceramics: Utilized for bulk density control (0.8 - 1.2 g/cm³) and surface brightness.
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3. Comparative Performance Analysis: Chinese Supply Chain
The following data represents typical output from vertically integrated Chinese mining operations, utilizing advanced milling and classification technology.
| Supplier Grade |
Purity (%) |
Particle Size (D50 μm) |
Oil Absorption (g/100g) |
Industry Focus |
| High-Purity Technical Grade |
≥ 99.0 |
1.0 - 2.5 |
低 (Low) |
Pharmaceutical, Coatings, Adhesives |
| Standard Industrial Grade |
97.5 - 98.5 |
3.0 - 8.0 |
中 (Medium) |
Plastics, Rubber, Vinyl Flooring |
| Cost-Effective Extender |
95.0 - 97.0 |
8.0 - 15.0 |
高 (High) |
Cement, Agriculture, Environmental |
4. Stability, Storage & Safety Compliance
- Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions (+5°C to +30°C).
- Incompatibility: Avoid contact with strong acids, fluorine, ammonium salts, and alum.
- Additives: Premium grades may contain antioxidants and anti-aging agents to extend the service life of final polymer products.
- Logistics: Available in moisture-proof industrial bags with global ISO certification for traceability.
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Audit Checklist for Procurement:
1. Verify CAS 471-34-1 purity via COA (Certificate of Analysis).
2. Confirm particle size distribution (D50/D97) matches specific equipment tolerances.
3. Evaluate oil absorption values for ink and coating applications to minimize resin waste.