Calcium carbonate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CaCO3, which is the main component of limestone, marble, and other materials. Calcium carbonate is usually a white crystal, odorless, essentially insoluble in water, and easily reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide. It is one of the common substances on Earth, found in rocks such as aragonite, calcite, chalk, limestone, marble, and limestone, and is also a major component of certain animal bones or shells.

Production Name: Calcium Carbonate

CAS:  471-34-1;13397-25-6;1317-65-3

• What are the four types of calcium carbonate？

1. Heavy Calcium Carbonate (GCC): This is the most common type of calcium carbonate, typically made by mechanically crushing natural limestone or chalk. GCC has a larger particle size and lower specific surface area, and its price is relatively low.
2. Light calcium carbonate (PCC): also known as precipitated calcium carbonate, is obtained by chemical precipitation method. PCC has a small particle size, a large specific surface area, and good optical and filling properties.
3. Activated calcium carbonate: Calcium carbonate that has undergone surface treatment has better dispersibility and compatibility with the matrix material. Activated calcium carbonate can improve the mechanical properties, processability, and weather resistance of materials.
4. Nano calcium carbonate: Calcium carbonate with a particle size in the nanometer range, possessing extremely high specific surface area and special properties. Nano calcium carbonate has a wide range of applications in high-tech fields such as biomedicine and electronics.

 

• Types of calcium carbonate used in different industries

 

1. Plastic industry:

GCC and PCC are commonly used calcium carbonate types in the plastic industry. GCC is commonly used to reduce costs and increase volume, while PCC is used to improve the mechanical properties, heat resistance, and transparency of plastics.

2. Rubber industry:

GCC and activated calcium carbonate are commonly used in the rubber industry. Activated calcium carbonate can improve the reinforcement performance, processing performance, and vulcanization performance of rubber.

3. Paper industry:

GCC is the main type of calcium carbonate used in the paper industry, which can improve the whiteness, opacity, and glossiness of paper, and enhance the printing performance of paper.

4. Coatings industry:

PCC and activated calcium carbonate are widely used in coatings. PCC can increase the glossiness and coverage of coatings, while active calcium carbonate can improve the adhesion and weather resistance of coatings.

5. Building materials industry:

Both GCC and PCC can be used for building materials such as cement, artificial marble, etc. GCC can reduce costs, while PCC can improve material performance.

6. Pharmaceutical industry:

Nano calcium carbonate has certain applications in the pharmaceutical field, such as drug carriers, dental materials, etc., because of its small particle size and good biocompatibility.

7. Food industry(Food additive – light calcium carbonate)

Flour processing agent, leavening agent, stabilizer, processing aid for food industry

 

• Considerations for selecting suitable calcium carbonate

1. Performance requirements:

Different applications have different performance requirements for calcium carbonate, such as particle size, specific surface area, dispersibility, etc. Select the appropriate type of calcium carbonate based on the specific requirements of the product.

2. Cost factor:

GCC usually has a lower price, while PCC and activated calcium carbonate have relatively higher prices. On the premise of meeting performance requirements, consider cost factors when selecting suitable calcium carbonate.

3. Processing technology:

Different processing technologies also have different requirements for calcium carbonate. For example, in certain applications that require high dispersibility, active calcium carbonate may be a better choice.

 

• Can calcium carbonate be eaten?

Calcium carbonate oral preparations in drugs are usually edible, such as calcium carbonate tablets, calcium carbonate chewable tablets, calcium carbonate capsules, compound calcium carbonate granules, etc. But if it is non-medical calcium carbonate, it is usually not edible.

 

 

The main component of oral calcium carbonate preparations in clinical practice is calcium carbonate, which belongs to calcium supplements and has the effect of promoting the formation of calcification in bones and teeth, maintaining normal excitability of nerves and muscles, and reducing vascular permeability. It is suitable for the prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency and usually needs to be taken orally. The specific usage and dosage should follow the doctor’s advice. In addition, such drugs can also be used as antacids, which can neutralize stomach acid and protect ulcer surfaces. They are mainly used for the treatment of diseases such as excessive stomach acid, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

 

 

But if it is used for construction, such as making cement, lime, artificial stone calcium carbonate, or as a chemical raw material, such as making CO2, clarifying agents for syrup, fillers, and toothpaste base calcium carbonate, it cannot be eaten. Due to its harmful substances to the body, accidental ingestion may affect one’s health. If ingested accidentally, one should also pay attention to their general condition and seek medical attention promptly if there are obvious abnormalities

In short, there are many types of calcium carbonate, each with its own characteristics and applicable industries. When choosing calcium carbonate, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as product performance requirements, cost, and processing technology. In addition, with the continuous advancement of technology and changes in market demand, new types of calcium carbonate products are constantly emerging, providing more choices for various industries.