Polymers

The calcium carbonate is the most widely used mineral filler in polymers. Its surface treatment ensures excellent affinity with polymer matrices, facilitating dispersion during processing. It improves the mechanical, thermal, optical and environmental properties of finished products, while reducing costs.

Benefits

Improved mechanical properties

The use of calcium carbonate improves the stiffness and hardness of the polymer matrix (increasing tensile and flexural modulus). It will also have an effect on the polymer's dimensional stability by reducing shrinkage during the cooling stage. Finally, in the case of PVC and polypropylene, certain surface-treated calcium carbonates can improve the matrix's impact resistance.

Optimized rheological properties

The use of calcium carbonate enables the rheology of the filled matrix to be adjusted. Special grades of calcium carbonate limit the increase in viscosity at high filler contents.

Improved thermal stability

Calcium carbonate plays a key role in the thermal stability of PVC, acting as an acid scavenger to limit matrix degradation during processing (secondary stabilization).

Improved thermal conductivity

In the field of polyolefins, calcium carbonate improves the thermal conductivity of the filled matrix, thus reducing injection cycle times and increasing extrusion production rates.

Modification of surface appearance

Calcium carbonate can be used to modify the surface finish of a finished product, reducing its gloss or rendering it matt. CaCO3 particle size also plays a role in product roughness. Larger particles give a rougher or textured appearance to the surface, while finer particles contribute to a smoother surface. Lastly, calcium carbonate's natural whiteness enhances the whiteness of the finished product and adds opacity.

Reducing environmental impact

Calcium carbonate is a natural, chemically inert (except in acidic environments) and non-toxic material. Environmentally-friendly, it helps reduce carbon footprints by cutting down on the use of petroleum-derived materials.

Increased recycled content

Certain calcium carbonates are considered as recycled materials within the meaning of ISO 14021 and can therefore contribute to increasing the recycled content of finished products.

Plastics (PVC) for construction

A wide range of calcium carbonates is available for the construction industry, optimizing the cost and performance of the finished product. They are particularly suitable for the design of profiles, pipes and fittings, floor coverings and cables. An innovative range of fine and ultra-fine calcium carbonates has been specially developed to meet the requirements of these applications. The result is higher filler contents in formulations, while improving the impact resistance and surface appearance of the finished product.

Masterbatches and compounds

Provençale's extensive experience in the field of masterbatches and compounds enables us to offer solutions with filler contents in excess of 85%. A homogeneous and optimal dispersion of particles in the polymer matrix is achieved thanks to the optimized surface treatment of our calcium carbonates, giving the finished product optimized mechanical properties and surface appearance. Our products also help to reduce the environmental impact of petro-sourced products, thanks to their low carbon footprint.

Rubber and elastomers

The right choice of calcium carbonate grade improves mechanical properties, dimensional stability and wear resistance, while optimizing formulation costs and reducing environmental impact.

Thermoset composites (SMC-BMC)

This application calls for specific calcium carbonate grades with narrow particle size distributions to achieve ever higher filler contents while maintaining acceptable viscosity levels. These innovative grades help improve dimensional stability and significantly enhance the mechanical and optical properties of finished products.

Engineering plastics

Solutions are also available for a wide range of engineering plastics such as polyamide, PMMA and polycarbonate. Calcium carbonate helps improve mechanical properties, stiffness and thermal conductivity, while reducing production costs, making these materials suitable for industrial, automotive and consumer applications.

Plastisols

Used as a multi-purpose filler in plastisols, calcium carbonate mainly serves to reduce costs, improve certain physical properties (such as stiffness, opacity and strength), and facilitate mix processing. In addition, it can help stabilize plastisol thermally and distribute pigments more evenly for homogeneous color.

For these applications, we also offer glass beadsbeads cellulose fibers and wood flourand pigment preparationspigment preparations titanium dioxidetitanium dioxide barium sulfatebarium sulfate micaand feldsparand amorphous silicaamorphous silicaanhydriteanhydrite wollastonite and alumina trihydrate.

Contact us for more information

283, Avenue Frédéric Mistral
CS 40097
83175 Brignoles cedex
Tel. +33 4 94 72 83 00

Linkedin Facebook Twitter
The company
Quick links
Stay connected!

2024 All rights reserved

Site created by GMX DEV

Contactez-nous

Contact us

Request data sheet