Calcium Carbonate Powder

April 5, 2024 Calcium

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is typically mined from limestone, chalk, or marble. The primary constituent of calcium carbonate is calcite, which is instrumental in many industrial applications.

The majority of calcium carbonate used in applications today is extracted by mining or quarrying, but it can also be prepared from calcium oxide.

When manufactured, calcium carbonate powder is used in a range of binders and sealants, and it is also used within the pharmaceutical, rubber, and paper industries, as we explore below.

In this article, we take a closer look at the uses of calcium carbonate powder and discover some of its benefits and reasons why it’s used in so many applications.

Where does it come from?

Calcium carbonate is mined all over the world. It is actually one of the world’s most abundant natural minerals, accounting for approximately 4% of the earth’s crust.

Ground calcium carbonate has been created and shaped over millions of years. These are deposits made up of the remains of marine organisms such as algae, coral, and crustaceans that have been built up over time in the formation of rock.

As a result, calcium carbonate can be mined today from three principal rock types – chalk, limestone, and marble.

The properties of calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is bright and odorless, and it is insoluble in water. It is also relatively soft and can be shaped and used in various ways.

The whiteness and opacity of carbonate means that it can be used across a broad spectrum of applications, from paints and coatings to paper production.

Calcium carbonate is processed into a powder form, which enables it to be used in any of the following applications.

Industrial uses of calcium carbonate powder

As mentioned, the properties of calcium carbonate powder make it ideal for numerous industrial applications, including:

Paints, coatings and sealants

Calcium carbonate serves as a filler that improves whiteness and opacity in numerous paints and coatings. It is a viable alternative to titanium dioxide, which is sometimes used in paint.

Moreover, calcium carbonate is regularly used as a key ingredient in binders and sealants. The narrow size of the particles mean that it is extremely effective as a sealant.

Plastics

Another common use of calcium carbonate powder is in various plastic applications and products. Specifically, it features in breathable films for some health and hygiene products like diapers, as well as some other medical applications.

It also plays a role in PVC roofing and flooring products, serving as a key reinforcement agent in such applications.

Pharmaceuticals

Many pharma companies use calcium carbonate as a filler for tablets, which is perhaps its most common pharmaceutical use.

However, it also has some medicinal properties and can be used as a dietary supplement for gastric antacid and other conditions.

Another common product that it is used to produce is toothpaste. Calcium carbonate helps to produce calcium oxide, which can be found in many toothpaste brands. It is also sometimes used as a food preservative.

Rubber

Calcium carbonate plays an important role in the production of rubber, as it serves as a filler. This saves rubber producers significant costs when it comes to fillers, as calcium carbonate powder is much cheaper than natural or even synthetic rubber.

Another reason that rubber is loaded with calcium carbonate is that it is strong and abrasion resistant, further showcasing why it’s such a popular option among producers.

Paper

Calcium carbonate is also widely used in the production of paper, as it is a cost-effective alternative to wood fiber. As well as its cost benefits, calcium carbonate actually improves the brightness and optics of paper, making it the preferred choice of some producers.

What’s more, calcium carbonate is said to improve the printability and opacity of paper, further highlighting its beneficial properties.

Broader industry applications

More broadly, calcium carbonate powder is used in the steel industry, the sugar industry, and the building and construction industry.

It is such a useful component for so many applications and products, such is its versatility and highly beneficial properties.

The many benefits of calcium carbonate powder

The benefits of calcium carbonate powder depend on the way it’s used and the applications and products it is added to. That being said, some of the many benefits of calcium carbonate powder include:

☑️ Cost savings: One of the reasons why calcium carbonate is so widely used is that it is much cheaper than other materials that serve a similar purpose. This is down to its availability and the fact that it is mined all over the world.

☑️ Versatility: As we have shown by its many uses, calcium carbonate powder is extremely versatile. It can and is used in numerous industries, including in paper, rubber, and plastic products.

☑️ Strength: Calcium carbonate is also known for its strength, which is why it’s used in heavy duty products. It is also the reason that it features prominently in sealants and coatings.

Conclusion

In summary, calcium carbonate powder is extremely versatile and it is used in numerous products and applications across lots of industries.

You can find it in paints, sealants, and coatings, but it is also present in rubber products, plastics, and numerous other industrial applications.

Mined and quarried in different parts of the world, calcium carbonate is taken from limestone, chalk, or marble, and its properties benefit many applications and industries, as it’s a cost-effective solution to other minerals that perform a similar role.