Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is an innovative product derived from lime, which has many industrial applications. PCC is made by hydrating high-calcium quicklime and then reacting the resulting slurry, or “milk-of-lime”, with carbon dioxide. The resulting product is extremely white and typically has a uniform narrow particle size distribution. PCC is available in numerous crystal morphologies and sizes, which can be tailored to optimize performance in a specific application.
Use of PCC in the Paper Industry
With the alkaline conversion of the uncoated freesheet market and the continuing trend toward alkaline vs. acid process papermaking in the coated, ground wood and paperboard markets, PCC is well established as a filler and coating pigment for premium quality paper products. PCC is typically produced in slurry form at satellite plants located near paper mills. PCC enhances optical properties and print characteristics of paper products, improves paper machine productivity, and can reduce papermaking costs through the replacement of more expensive pulp fiber and optical brightening agents. Constantly improving quality targets make the brightness of paper, and thus PCC, an increasingly important factor.
Use of PCC in Polymer Applications
PCC also finds many industrial uses due to its ability to achieve small particle sizes and special crystal shapes. In rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), such as vinyl siding and fencing, PCC increases impact strength with some of the smaller particles able to replace expensive impact modifiers. Nano PCCs (less than 0.1 micron in size) control viscosity and sag in automotive and construction sealants, such as PVC plastisols, polysulfides, urethanes, and silicones. In paint, PCC's unique particle shapes improve hiding and allow reductions in titanium dioxide levels.
Use of PCC in Healthcare Applications
An effective acid neutralizer, PCC is often used in calcium-based antacid tablets and liquids. Being high in calcium content, PCC enables the formulation of high dosage calcium supplements and multi-vitamin/mineral tablets. The small particle sizes and special particle shapes contribute to the development of good tasting calcium fortified foods and beverages.
Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) can be mainly divided into Industrial Grade and Pharmaceutical Grade which Industrial Grade captures about 98.76% of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) market in 2017. According to our research and analysis, manufacturers from North America are the major leaders in the international market of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC).
According to this study, over the next five years the Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) market will register a 0.7% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ 3930 million by 2024, from US$ 3760 million in 2019. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) business
Competitive landscape:
Companies involved: Minerals Technologies, Omya, Shiraishi, Imerys, Maruo Calcium, Mississippi Lime, OKUTAMA KOGYO, Schaefer Kalk, Cales de Llierca and Calchem
