Introduction to Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO₃. It is one of the most common substances on Earth and is found in various forms in nature.

 

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO₃. It is one of the most common substances on Earth and is found in various forms in nature. It occurs naturally in minerals such as calcite and aragonite, which are the main components of limestone, marble, and chalk. These natural sources have been used by humans for thousands of years. Calcium carbonate is an inorganic salt, composed of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻). In its pure form, it is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder.

 

Calcium Carbonate Classification

 

Natural Calcium Carbonate

1. Limestone: It is a sedimentary rock mainly composed of calcium carbonate. Limestone is formed from the accumulation of shells, coral, and other marine organisms over long geological periods. It has a wide range of applications, from construction materials to being a raw material for the production of lime.

2. Marble: Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed when limestone is subjected to high pressure and temperature. It is known for its beautiful veined appearance and is highly valued in the construction and sculpture industries due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

3. Chalk: Chalk is a soft, white, porous form of calcium carbonate. It is often used in educational settings for writing on blackboards. Geologically, it is composed mainly of the remains of microscopic marine plankton.

 

Synthetic Calcium Carbonate

1. Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC): PCC is produced through a chemical reaction. Usually, calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) reacts with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate. PCC has a more uniform particle size and shape compared to natural forms. It is widely used in industries such as paper, plastics, and coatings, where precise control over the properties of the filler is required.

2. Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC): GCC is produced by grinding natural calcium carbonate sources like limestone. The particle size can be adjusted by different grinding techniques. It is commonly used in applications where a lower - cost filler is needed, such as in the production of rubber, adhesives, and some types of paints.

 

 

Calcium Carbonate Specifications

Particle Size: Particle size is a crucial specification. For PCC, it can range from sub - micron (less than 1 micrometer) to several micrometers. Smaller particle sizes are often preferred in applications like high - quality paper coatings, as they can provide better optical properties and smoothness. In the case of GCC, the particle size can be coarser, typically ranging from a few micrometers to tens of micrometers. Coarser - sized GCC is suitable for applications where high filling levels are required without sacrificing too much on mechanical properties, such as in some rubber products.

Purity: High - purity calcium carbonate is essential for many applications. In the pharmaceutical and food industries, calcium carbonate with a purity of over 99% is often used. Impurities such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc.) need to be strictly controlled to meet safety standards. In industrial applications like plastics and coatings, a purity of around 95 - 99% is usually acceptable, depending on the specific requirements of the product.

Whiteness: Whiteness is an important parameter, especially for applications where appearance matters. Calcium carbonate used in paper, paints, and plastics is required to have a high whiteness value. Whiteness is measured on a scale, and values above 90 are often desired for high - quality products.

 

Calcium Carbonate Applications

 

Construction Industry

Building Materials: Limestone and marble are used as construction materials. Limestone is used in the production of cement, which is a fundamental component in concrete. Concrete made with limestone - derived cement is widely used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and roads. Marble is used for flooring, wall cladding, and decorative elements in high - end buildings due to its elegant appearance and durability.

Mortar: Calcium carbonate is an ingredient in mortar, which is used to bind bricks, stones, and tiles together. It helps in improving the workability and strength of the mortar.

 

Paper Industry

Filler and Coating: PCC and GCC are used in the paper industry. As a filler, they are added to the paper pulp to reduce the cost of paper production by replacing more expensive wood pulp. They also improve the paper's properties such as opacity, brightness, and smoothness. In paper coatings, calcium carbonate is used to provide a smooth surface for better printing quality.

 

Plastics Industry

Filler: Calcium carbonate is added to plastics as a filler. It can increase the stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability of plastic products. It also reduces the cost of plastics by replacing a portion of the more expensive polymer resin. For example, in PVC pipes, calcium carbonate is added to improve the pipe's strength and heat resistance.

 

Food and Pharmaceutical Industries

FoodAdditive: In the food industry, calcium carbonate is used as a calcium supplement. It is added to foods such as cereals, dairy products, and beverages to increase their calcium content. It is also used as an antacid in some food products to regulate acidity.

Pharmaceutical Applications: In the pharmaceutical industry, calcium carbonate is used in the production of tablets and capsules. It can be used as a filler in drug formulations and also as an antacid to treat heartburn and indigestion.

 

In conclusion, calcium carbonate, with its diverse forms, specifications, and wide - ranging applications, plays a significant role in numerous industries and aspects of our daily lives.

 

The picture below shows the delivery site of calcium carbonate products from Yayang Mining. We use standardized packaging to ensure that the products maintain high quality during transportation. The efficient logistics system enables the products to be delivered to customers in a timely and safe manner, reflecting our commitment to quality and service.

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