Precipitated Calcium Carbonate is strongly used in the manufacturing of paper. The structure of PCC is a deciding factor in the production of paper.
What is PCC?
Precipitated Calcium carbonate is the highest quantity of mineral on earth. PCC is formed by hydrating the quicklime and further reacting the component with carbon dioxide.
PCC is the most purified and refined form of calcium carbonate whereas GCC involves only the mining process.
PCC involves the purification of calcium carbonate ore, particularly limestone, to remove any other rock material which is not calcium carbonate.
During the production of PCC, its chemical and physical properties change. The particle size depends on the reaction time, temperature, pressure, and post-crystallization processing.
The main target for the paper industry is bulk. Large particle size and narrow particle size distribution increase the paper bulk and decrease particle packing.
What is Calcium carbonate filler?
Limestone is the highest reserve for obtaining calcium carbonate. Besides, it is also found in chalks, seashells, and seashores.
The calcium carbonate filler contains 70% of calcium carbonate and thus the name.
By using calcium carbonate, the plastic industry is at ease. It can add any color pigment to the filler.
Since calcium carbonate is inert and does not react with other chemicals.
Further, calcium carbonate is less rigid. Consequently, less energy is consumed in the preparation. Calcium carbonate can be used in the form of powder, beads, and even sheets.
Use of PCC in the Paper Industry
PCC is found in three different structures. These are scalenohedral, rhombohedral, and prismatic.
Scalenohedral PCC is the preferred PCC in the paper-making industry. S-PCC has the highest amount of structure.
In the paper industry, four minerals are used for the filling purpose. They are Kaolin clay, Calcium carbonate, Titanium dioxide, and Talc.
Titanium dioxide and Talc are added in very small quantities. They provide extreme whiteness and opacity to the paper.
Calcium carbonate is of two types- PCC and GCC. PCC is manufactured under an entire process whereas GCC and Kaolin clay is mined from the respective ore.
The chemical and physical properties of PCC are controlled during the manufacturing process. Particle size, particle size distribution, surface area, particle shape, and surface chemistry.
Using synthesized PCC adds whiteness and brightness to the paper.
PCC provides an added advantage. Since it is manufactured, it can be manufactured in a nearby PCC satellite plant.
Benefits of Using PCC in the Paper Industry
As said, PCC is the main filler in the paper industry. Although if more filler is added, less fiber might destroy the paper structure.
However, PCC has many benefits that overpower the negative aspects.
Summing Up
PCC has many advantages in the industries as a filler. They provide structure and bulk to the paper.
Shree Karni Chemicals is the leading producer of PCC in Rajasthan. We work diligently to provide premier quality products to our customers.
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