Calcium carbonate occurs abundantly in several natural minerals. It can be crystallized in a wide variety of morphologies, which makes it very versatile and is, therefore, used for changing physical and chemical properties of filled or coated papers. The product of a controlled synthesis that produces a desired morphology and particle size is called precipitated calcium carbonate or PCC. PCC has a higher purity than natural or ground calcium carbonate (GCC).
The Quality Blueprint for Reliable Mineral Sourcing
Maintaining quality starts at the source. Choosing the right mineral partner requires rigorous due diligence far beyond simple price checking. Here are 7 essential checks your procurement team must conduct to guarantee long-term operational success:
- Purity Percentage (The Purity Benchmark): Why a fractional difference in CaCO₃ content can impact final product performance, especially in specialty applications.
- Brightness Index Consistency: How to test and verify the critical whiteness level needed for applications like high-end paper and polymer compounding.
- Micronization Verification: The critical importance of the Particle Size Distribution (PSD) curve, not just the D50 value, for optimal dispersion and rheology.
- Moisture Content Risk: Tips for avoiding high moisture content, which can severely affect material flowability, energy usage during processing, and dispersion.
- Supplier Traceability: Why knowing the geological source and complete processing history of the raw material is vital for consistent quality and certification compliance.
- Heavy Metal Compliance: Ensuring your mineral supplier meets all national and international safety standards for industrial and specialty grades, particularly for materials used indirectly in consumer products.
- Batch-to-Batch Stability: The ultimate test—requiring recent COAs (Certificates of Analysis) from three different, consecutive batches to verify process stability, not just a one-off sample.
The long-term performance of your final product depends directly on the consistency and purity of your raw Calcium Carbonate. A reliable supplier integrates these checks at every step.
