How Particle Size Distribution Impacts CaCO₃ Applications
Discover how CaCO₃ particle size distribution (5μm, 10μm, 20μm) affects performance in plastics, paints, and adhesives. Compare detailed data, visuals, and expert guidance to choose the right calcium carbonate grade for your industrial applications.
How Particle Size Distribution Impacts CaCO₃ Applications
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is one of the most widely used industrial minerals, valued for its high whiteness, purity, and versatility. It plays a crucial role as a filler and performance enhancer in plastics, paints & coatings, rubber, and adhesives.
While purity and brightness are key quality indicators, particle size distribution (PSD) is often the hidden factor that determines the material’s behavior and efficiency in production.
This article explores how CaCO₃ particle sizes of 5μm, 10μm, and 20μm differ in performance — and how choosing the right size can optimize cost and product quality.
1. What Is Particle Size Distribution (PSD)?
1.1. Definition and Importance
Particle Size Distribution describes the range of particle sizes in a CaCO₃ sample.
Smaller particles (e.g., 5μm) provide a larger surface area, better dispersion, and smoother surfaces, while larger particles (e.g., 20μm) improve stiffness and reduce costs.
In industrial manufacturing, understanding PSD is essential for:
Achieving desired product finish (smoothness or opacity).
Controlling viscosity and flow properties.
Balancing performance with production cost.
In short: Finer CaCO₃ enhances performance; coarser CaCO₃ reduces cost.
2. Comparing CaCO₃ Particle Sizes (5μm, 10μm, 20μm)
| Properties | CaCO₃ 5μm | CaCO₃ 10μm | CaCO₃ 20μm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Particle Fineness (D97) | 5 ± 0.5 µm | 10 ± 1 µm | 20 ± 2 µm |
| Whiteness | ≥ 98% | 96–97% | 95–96% |
| Dispersion | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Surface Finish | Very smooth | Smooth | Rougher |
| Main Applications | High-grade plastics, paints, cosmetics | General-purpose plastics, adhesives | Rubber, construction materials |
| Cost Level | High | Medium | Low |
| Key Benefit | Superior surface and mechanical strength | Cost-performance balance | Cost reduction and rigidity |
https://tankymineral.com.vn
3. CaCO₃ in Plastics Industry
3.1. Effects on Plastic Properties
In plastic compounds (PP, PE, PVC), calcium carbonate acts as a functional filler, providing:
Enhanced stiffness and tensile strength.
Reduced shrinkage and improved dimensional stability.
Better surface gloss and brightness.
Lower overall production cost.
3.2. Performance Comparison by Particle Size
| Criteria | 5μm | 10μm | 20μm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Gloss | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tensile Strength | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shrinkage | Very Low | Moderate | Higher |
| Plastic Replacement Rate | 10–15% | 20% | 25%+ |
| Production Cost | Higher | Medium | Lower |
🧩 Application Suggestions:
5μm: high-end film and masterbatch production.
10μm: PP, PE compounds for household or industrial use.
20μm: rigid PVC pipes, plastic pallets, or filler masterbatch.
4. CaCO₃ in Paints and Coatings
4.1. Role of CaCO₃ in Paint Formulations
Calcium carbonate serves as an extender pigment, enhancing opacity, brightness, and viscosity control.
It improves paint texture, prevents settling, and reduces formulation cost.
4.2. Influence of Particle Size on Paint Quality
| Performance Factor | 5μm | 10μm | 20μm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Smoothness | Excellent | Good | Average |
| Opacity / Hiding Power | High | Moderate | Low |
| Light Reflectivity | Strong | Medium | Weak |
| Application | Premium interior paints, glossy coatings | Wall paints, industrial coatings | Primers, waterproof coatings |
5. CaCO₃ in Adhesives and Sealants
5.1. Key Functions
CaCO₃ enhances adhesive formulations by controlling viscosity, improving dimensional stability, and lowering cost.
| Property | 5μm | 10μm | 20μm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity | High | Medium | Low |
| Adhesion Strength | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Surface Finish | Smooth | Balanced | Rough |
| Processing Ease | Lower | Medium | High |
| Cost Efficiency | Low | Balanced | High |
H3: 6.2. Recommended Selections
| Industry Application | Recommended Size | Performance Focus |
|---|---|---|
| High-grade plastic films & masterbatch | 5μm | Gloss, tensile strength |
| General plastic & adhesive products | 10μm | Balanced performance |
| Construction & rubber compounds | 20μm | Cost reduction, stiffness |
7. About Our CaCO₃ Products
Tan Ky Mineral is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-purity calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in Vietnam.
Our products are sourced from premium white limestone quarries in Nghe An, processed using advanced German technology for consistent particle distribution and superior whiteness (≥98%).
🏭 Our certifications & facilities include:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management
Modern grinding and coating systems
Dedicated R&D and laboratory testing
Suggested visuals:
Company logo
Factory and production line photos
Product packaging & ISO certificates
Particle size distribution is a defining factor in the performance of calcium carbonate fillers.
CaCO₃ 5μm → best for high-performance, glossy, and premium products.
CaCO₃ 10μm → balanced solution for general industrial needs.
CaCO₃ 20μm → cost-effective option for bulk materials and construction.
Choosing the right particle size enables manufacturers to optimize production cost, product performance, and market competitiveness.
📞 Contact us today to get a CaCO₃ price quotation : salesmanager@tankymineral.com.vn
