Carbonato de Calcio (CaCO₃)

It is a mineral filler used in polypropylene (PP) to improve properties such as hardness, stiffness, dimensional stability, and processability. When incorporated, CaCO₃ can improve dispersion, printing ink anchoring, opacity, and molding efficiency. It also reduces costs by being a substitute for more expensive materials and can increase thermal conductivity, accelerating heating and cooling during plastic processing.

Characteristics

Mechanical and dimensional improvement

CaCO₃ can increase the hardness and stiffness of PP, as well as improve its dimensional stability.

Surface properties and appearance

Contributes to a smoother surface and improves the gloss and opacity of PP products.

Processability and efficiency

It facilitates the processing of PP, increasing productivity and operational efficiency, especially in applications such as thermoforming.

Cost Reduction

It acts as an economical filler that replaces part of the virgin polymer, thereby reducing production costs.

Printing ink anchoring

Mejora la capacidad del PP para recibir y retener la tinta, lo cual es útil para películas y otros productos impresos.

Additional benefits

There are different types of calcium carbonate, including nano-CaCO₃ with smaller particles, which can offer superior stiffness properties.
The improved thermal conductivity of CaCO₃ allows the plastic to heat and cool faster, reducing energy consumption.