Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) are the compounds found in the earth’s crust as high-purity calcite ores. They are majorly used by the plastic industries as fillers.
The major difference between PCC and GCC is the method of formation, density, physical appearance, and taste. Their uses in different types of industries is another factor differentiating them.
PCC is used more in industries since the producer can change its shape and physical properties according to the consumers’ needs.
The process of producing Precipitated calcium carbonate in India involves decarbonating limestone. Further converting CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) to CaO (calcium oxide) and CO2 (carbon dioxide).
In the next step, the calcium oxide is mixed with water to form calcium hydroxide. This further involves the process of reacting it with bubbling CO2 gas to form purified PCC i.e. CaCO3.
Since it is insoluble in water, it is to separate it from the solution.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2= CaCO3↓ + H2O
There are two different methods for producing PCC. One involves the conversion of solid to liquid and forming the lime slurry. Others involve the use of a gas-solid-liquid approach.
PCC is the purest form of calcium carbonate that appears as sedimentary rocks in nature.
The primary particle size of PCC is close to 1 µm to 4 µm.
Precipitated calcium carbonate comes in various shapes and structures according to the needs of the customer. Either they can be large rhombohedral or scalenohedral in shape.
Calcites are the white hexagonal crystals, the white orthorhombic crystals are aragonite, and the colorless hexagonal crystals are vaterite.
Since the impurities are removed during the precipitation process, the PCC crystals are brighter than GCC crystals.
The crystal size varies according to the use in different industries.
PCC is a white, odorless powder that has a taste like chalk.
PCC is used in a vast line of industries. Including the paper industries, polymer industries, and healthcare sectors.
PCC is used as a filler and coating on paper sheets to enhance its quality. This is because of its high power ink absorption property.
Further, due to the enhanced brightness, PCC increases the optical and printing qualities of the paper.
The variable particle size, up to nanometers, allows the use of PPC in polymer industries. The smaller particles enhance the impact strength to a large extent in the formation of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
PCC increases the hiding properties and reduces the Titanium Dioxide levels. Hence used in paint manufacturing.
PCC is used as a filler in toothpaste to act as a mild abrasive and gently remove plaque from teeth. It is preferred as a substitute for expensive dentifrice ingredients.
PCC is used as a substitute of calcium carbonate for detergents. It is further also added as an acid neutralizer in medicines and tablets rich in calcium.
Ground Calcium Carbonate, also known as GCC, unlike PCC, does not involve any significant process in production. The calcite ore is crushed and milled to form GCC.
Further, GCC is categorized into two types that is wet and dry.
Dry GCC is produced simply by crushing and milling to form uneven-sized crystals. The product obtained is micronized.
The production of wet GCC carries further from dry GCC. A suitable additive is added to the dry GCC and is processed in the wet attrition mills to obtain a lime slurry with low viscosity.
Features of GCC
GCC is mainly used in the manufacturing of roofing, flooring, and other building materials.
Due to the increased heat resistance, soundproofing, and adhesion qualities, it is preferred for the manufacturing of carpets and luxury vinyl floors.
It is further durable and rheological and thus used in the manufacturing of the aforementioned. Since it is acting as a filler, it eradicates the need for a special filler.
Since GCC is rich in unprocessed calcium, it is often used in animal feed to make it calcium rich.
It enhances the bone structure making it strong and helps in the betterment of nerve function. This results in the improved quality of eggs, solidifying them.
Recapitulating
Although both the above mentioned are prepared from the calcite ores, they have different properties. PCC is more opaque and brighter than GCC.
Thus, it depends on your needs whether to choose PCC or GCC. If you are looking for Precipitated Calcium Carbonate manufacturers In India, Shree Karni Chemicals is the perfect stop.
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