Calcium Carbonate (Uncoated)
Calcium Carbonate (uncoated) is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed primarily of calcium, carbon, and oxygen with the chemical formula CaCO₃. It appears as a fine white powder or granules, widely used as a filler, pigment, and functional additive across various industries. The uncoated form means the calcium carbonate particles are not surface-treated, retaining their natural properties. It is valued for its high brightness, whiteness, and excellent compressibility. Uncoated calcium carbonate is used to enhance opacity, improve processing, and reduce costs in plastics, paints, coatings, adhesives, rubber, paper, and construction materials.
Primary UsesÂ
- Plastics & Polymers
- Used as an inexpensive filler and reinforcing agent in thermoplastics and thermosetting resins (polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC).
- Enhances stiffness, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.
- Improves processing and reduces production costs.
- Paints & Coatings
- Acts as a pigment extender and filler in water-based and solvent-based paints.
- Provides improved opacity, brightness, and scrub resistance.
- Enhances rheology and flow properties of coatings.
- Paper Industry
- Serves as a coating pigment and filler to improve brightness, opacity, and printability.
- Improves surface smoothness and ink holdout.
- Rubber Industry
- Used as a filler to improve hardness and mechanical properties in rubber products.
- Reduces production costs and enhances product performance.
- Construction Materials
- Integral component in cement, mortar, and concrete mixes as a filler and extender.
- Improves workability and mechanical properties.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Agriculture
- Used as a soil conditioner and neutralizing agent to adjust soil pH.
- Acts as a calcium supplement in animal feed.
- Pharmaceuticals & Food
- Used as an antacid and calcium supplement in pharmaceutical formulations (subject to purity standards).
- Utilized as a food additive (E170) in baking powders, chewing gum, and confectionery.
- Environmental Applications
- Used for water treatment and flue gas desulfurization.
Key Attributes
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium carbonate
- Common/Trade Name: Calcium Carbonate (Uncoated)
- CAS Number: 471-34-1
- HS Code: 2836.50.00
- Molecular Formula: CaCO₃
- Synonyms:
- Limestone powder
- Chalk powder
- Calcite
- Ground calcium carbonate (GCC)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Fine powder or granular solid
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Melting Point: Decomposes at ~825°C (releases CO₂)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
- Density: Approx. 2.7–2.9 g/cm³
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in acids with effervescence
- pH: Slightly alkaline (pH ~9 when dispersed in water)
- Stability: Chemically stable under normal conditions
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous; nuisance dust
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for calcium carbonate dust: 15 mg/m³ (total dust)
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; inhalation of fine dust may cause respiratory irritation
- Reactivity: Stable; reacts with acids releasing COâ‚‚ gas
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture
- Container Type: Bags, bulk containers, or silos designed to minimize dust loss
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly
- Special Handling: Use PPE to avoid dust inhalation; handle to minimize dust generation
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for use in food and pharmaceuticals when meeting purity standards
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous
- Waste Disposal: Dispose as non-hazardous industrial waste according to local regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low; naturally occurring mineral with minimal environmental impact
- Persistence: Persistent; does not biodegrade but is chemically inert
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Not biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Dust mask or respirator (NIOSH-approved)
- Gloves
- Protective goggles
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation of dust
- Use dust extraction or local exhaust ventilation
- Handle in well-ventilated areas
Storage Measures:
- Store away from moisture and incompatible materials (strong acids)
- Keep containers tightly closed
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Generally non-toxic; rinse mouth and seek medical attention if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚ as appropriate for surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: None; carbon dioxide may be released if heated to decomposition
- Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) upon thermal decomposition