Ground calcium carbonate vs precipitated calcium carbonate

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is produced by calcining (heating) limestone to drive off a portion of the CO 2 that is present. The resulting calcium oxide (CaO) is then reacted with water to yield PCC. PCC has a very fine and controlled particle size, making it ideal for use in many different industries.

How to use calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is a common compound found in rocks and minerals. It can be used as an antacid to relieve heartburn or indigestion. It can also be used as a calcium supplement for people who are deficient in this mineral. Calcium carbonate should be taken with food. The recommended dose is 500 mg to 1 gram daily.

What is ground calcium carbonate (GCC)?

GCC is a natural calcium carbonate powder derived from limestone. It is used as a filler in paper, plastic, and paint products; as well as an adsorbent for environmental remediation, agricultural purposes, and more. Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is a manufactured version of calcium carbonate. It is made by reacting calcium oxide with water to create calcium hydroxide, which is then precipitated out of solution to form PCC.

What is precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)?

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is a calcium carbonate that has been purified and then processed so that it precipitates out of solution. This makes it different from other types of calcium carbonate, which are either in a dissolved state or in a suspended state.

PCC is made by passing CO? through a saturated calcium hydroxide solution. The resulting product is then filtered and washed to remove any impurities. The end product is a fine, white powder that has a high degree of purity.

PCC has a number of uses, but it is most commonly used as an additive in papermaking. It can also be used as a filler in plastics and rubbers, or as an abrasive in polishes and toothpastes.

The difference between GCC and PCC

There are two main types of calcium carbonate used in papermaking: ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). While both minerals are similar in terms of their chemical composition, there are some key differences between the two materials.

GCC is a natural form of calcium carbonate that is mined from the earth. The rock is then ground into a fine powder and used as a filler in paper products. GCC is relatively inexpensive and has a wide range of applications.

PCC, on the other hand, is man-made from limestone that has been treated with chemicals to remove impurities. This process results in a more pure form of calcium carbonate that is white in color. PCC is often used in premium paper products where its brightness and lack of impurities are desirable qualities.

While GCC and PCC are both effective fillers for papermaking, each has its own unique set of properties that make it better suited for certain applications. For example, GCC is typically used in lower-end papers due to its lower cost, while PCC is reserved for higher-quality papers where its bright white color and purity are desired qualities.

Pros and cons of GCC and PCC

There are two main types of calcium carbonate used in industry: ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). GCC is a natural form of calcium carbonate that is mined from the earth. PCC is a man-made form of calcium carbonate that is produced by a chemical reaction.

Each type of calcium carbonate has its own unique set of pros and cons that should be considered before making a decision about which to use.

Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC):

pros:

-Inexpensive compared to other forms of calcium carbonate

-Can be used in a variety of industries including paper, plastics, and paints

-Naturally occurring so it does not require any extra processing or manufacturing

shortcoming:

-Relatively impure form of calcium carbonate so it can contain impurities such as clay minerals, quartz, and feldspar

-Mining GCC can have negative environmental impacts such as increased dust levels and noise pollution

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC):

pros:

-Very pure form of calcium carbonate so it does not contain any impurities

-Can be customized to meet the specific needs of different industries

-Manufacturing process results in very little waste products or emissions

shortcoming:

-More expensive than other forms of calcium carbonate

-Requires extra processing and manufacturing, which can use a lot of energy and water

Which one should you choose?

There are many different types of calcium carbonate on the market today. So, which one should you choose for your needs?

Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is made from natural limestone that has been crushed and ground into a fine powder. It ranges in particle size from 2-60 microns and is available in a variety of grades, depending on the level of fineness required. GCC is used in a variety of industries, including paper manufacturing, plastics, paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, ceramic tile production, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and more.

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is made from lime that has been reacted with carbon dioxide to create a calcium carbonate product with a very fine particle size. It ranges in particle size from 2-5 microns and is available in a variety of grades depending on the level of purity required. PCC is used in a variety of industries as well, including food additive manufacturing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics ,and more.

So which one should you choose? The answer depends on your specific needs. If you need a very fine powder with a small particle size, then PCC may be the better choice. If you need a lower cost option or have an application that doesn't require such a fine powder ,then GCC may be the better choice.

Which one is better?

There are two main types of calcium carbonate: ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). GCC is a natural form of the mineral, while PCC is a synthetic form.

So, which one is better?

The answer depends on your needs. If you need a fine powder with a consistent particle size, PCC is the better choice. However, if you need a coarse powder or if cost is a factor, GCC is the better choice.

Conclusion

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and ground calcium carbonate (GCC) are both popular forms of calcium carbonate. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the difference between them before making a decision. Overall, PCC is more expensive than GCC, but it also offers a number of advantages. PCC is more pure and has a finer particle size, which makes it ideal for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It's also more soluble than GCC, so it can be used in products that require quick dissolution. GCC is less expensive and has a coarser particle size, making it better suited for industrial applications. It's also less soluble than PCC, so it's not ideal for products that need to dissolve quickly. Both PCC and GCC have their place in the market, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. If you're not sure which one to choose, talk to a professional who can help you make the best decision for your project.