Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch is a specialized additive used in the polymer and plastics industry to reduce production costs, enhance mechanical properties, and improve the efficiency of plastic products.
This product is manufactured by combining a base polymer (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) with high-purity calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and specialized additives.Available in granular form, this masterbatch is valued for its ability to reduce raw polymer consumption, improve processability, and enhance strength, making it an ideal choice for manufacturers in packaging, construction, agriculture, and injection-molded component industries.
Tolymer Group offers high-quality Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch with diverse formulations, addressing market needs with a focus on sustainability and optimal performance.
This product delivers significant cost savings while maintaining quality, providing substantial value to manufacturers.
Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch plays a pivotal role in optimizing plastic production processes due to its unique properties.
By reducing the use of expensive polymers, enhancing mechanical properties, and increasing production efficiency, it enables manufacturers to produce cost-effective, high-quality products.
Its applications are wide-ranging and include:
Packaging Films:
Used in plastic bags, industrial films, and food packaging requiring strength and cost efficiency.
Injection-Molded Parts:
Such as plastic containers, automotive components, and household appliances needing durability and an appealing appearance.
Pipes and Profiles:
In construction for producing durable pipes and window/door profiles.
Agricultural Products:
Including mulch films and fertilizer bags requiring durability and affordability.
Fibers and Textiles:
For cost-effective production of polypropylene yarns and fabrics.
Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch empowers manufacturers to succeed in competitive markets by reducing production costs, improving processability, and enhancing product durability.
Base Polymer:
Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or other polymers like ABS and PVC, offering high compatibility with common raw materials.
Primary Filler:
High-purity calcium carbonate (CaCO₃, >98%) with fine particle sizes (1–5 microns) to enhance mechanical properties and reduce costs.
Calcium Carbonate:
Acts as the primary filler to increase strength, reduce polymer usage, and improve processability.
Specialized Additives:
Include lubricants (e.g., calcium stearate) for better melt flow, dispersants for uniform calcium carbonate distribution, and antioxidants for thermal stability.
Other Materials:
Some formulations include coupling agents (e.g., silane) to improve adhesion between polymer and filler or anti-moisture additives for specific applications.
Features:
High compatibility with polyethylene, cost reduction, suitable for thin films and packaging.
Applications:
Plastic bags, agricultural films, industrial packaging.
Features:
High thermal resistance, good mechanical strength, ideal for durable products.
Applications:
Food packaging, injection-molded parts, polypropylene yarns.
Features:
High chemical resistance, suitable for construction applications.
Applications:
Window/door profiles, pipes, and fittings.
Features:
Up to 80% calcium carbonate, significant cost reduction, ideal for high-filler products.
Applications:
Industrial bags, thick films, economical injection-molded parts.
Features:
Designed for maximum cost reduction while maintaining acceptable quality.
Applications:
Trash bags, products with moderate strength requirements.
Features:
Contains anti-moisture additives, suitable for humid environments.
Applications:
Agricultural pipes, mulch films.
Plastic Bags:
Cost-effective, high-strength bags for shopping or waste.
Agricultural Films:
Mulch films for soil management and cost savings.
Food Packaging:
Economical packaging for products like rice and flour.
Polypropylene Yarns:
For durable textiles and ropes.
Window/Door Profiles:
Cost-effective, high-strength profiles.
Construction Pipes:
Corrosion-resistant pipes with low costs.
Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch combines economic and technical benefits, enabling manufacturers to produce high-quality, cost-effective plastic products.
It not only reduces costs but also enhances product properties and production processes.
Key Advantages:
Significant Cost Reduction:
Using calcium carbonate as a filler reduces consumption of expensive polymers like polyethylene or polypropylene by up to 30%, a major advantage for high-volume products like plastic bags, industrial films, and injection-molded parts.
Improved Mechanical Properties:
Fine calcium carbonate particles (1–5 microns) enhance tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance, critical for durable products like containers, construction profiles, and pipes.
Enhanced Processability:
Lubricants and dispersants improve melt flow, reducing friction in extrusion or molding equipment, potentially increasing production speed by up to 15%, lowering energy consumption, and extending equipment lifespan.
Superior Dimensional Stability:
Reduces shrinkage and deformation during cooling, crucial for precision components like pipe fittings, window profiles, or injection-molded containers.
Compatibility with Various Polymers:
Compatible with PE, PP, PVC, and ABS, minimizing the need for multiple formulations across a wide range of applications.
Environmental Sustainability Support:
Calcium carbonate, a naturally abundant material, reduces reliance on petroleum-based polymers. When paired with recyclable polymers, products can be recycled and comply with environmental standards like REACH or RoHS.
Improved Surface Quality:
Uniform calcium carbonate dispersion ensures a smooth, consistent surface, beneficial for applications like food packaging or decorative profiles.
Reduced Thermal Effects:
High heat capacity of calcium carbonate stabilizes processing temperatures, preventing polymer degradation at high temperatures (200–250°C).
Despite its numerous benefits, Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch has limitations that manufacturers must consider to optimize production and product selection.
Key Limitations:
Reduced Flexibility at High Percentages:
Adding over 40% calcium carbonate may reduce flexibility and impact resistance, unsuitable for products like thin films or flexible shopping bags. Coupling agents can mitigate this issue.
Moisture Impact on Quality:
High moisture content (>600 ppm) in masterbatch can cause air bubbles, surface defects, or reduced mechanical strength, particularly in sensitive processes like thin film or PET bottle production, necessitating pre-drying.
Insufficient Dispersion:
Poorly dispersed calcium carbonate can lead to particle agglomeration, causing surface imperfections, weak points, or reduced mechanical properties, common in low-quality masterbatches or non-standard production processes.
Unsuitable for Transparent Applications:
The opaque nature of calcium carbonate makes it unsuitable for transparent products like PET bottles or clear packaging films, resulting in a cloudy appearance.
Dependence on Raw Material Quality:
Masterbatch quality relies on high-purity calcium carbonate (>98%), fine particle size, and suitable base polymer. Coarse particles (>10 microns) or impurities can degrade mechanical properties and surface quality.
Increased Product Weight:
Adding calcium carbonate increases final product weight, a limitation for lightweight applications like packaging or automotive parts.
Recycling Challenges: High calcium carbonate content can complicate recycling due to difficulties separating filler from polymer, posing challenges in industries prioritizing sustainable packaging.
Limited UV Resistance: Calcium carbonate masterbatch lacks inherent UV resistance, requiring additional anti-UV additives for outdoor applications, which may increase costs.
Proper storage of Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch is critical to maintaining the quality of the filler, additives, and product performance during production.
Improper conditions can lead to moisture absorption, additive degradation, or reduced dispersion.
Storage Requirements:
Temperature Control:
Store at 15–25°C. Temperatures above 30°C may cause granule stickiness or degradation of heat-sensitive additives, while temperatures below 10°C can increase granule brittleness.
Moisture Protection:
Calcium carbonate naturally absorbs moisture, so use moisture-resistant packaging like laminated polyethylene bags or sealed containers to keep moisture levels below 1500 ppm. Warehouses should have dehumidifiers and avoid direct water exposure.
UV Protection:
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can degrade polymeric additives, reducing masterbatch quality. Store in covered areas away from direct sunlight, using opaque bags or protective covers.
Organized Stacking:
Stack masterbatch bags on dry, clean, horizontal pallets to prevent excessive pressure and granule deformation. Limit stacking height to five bags to avoid damage to lower bags. Maintain at least 50 cm spacing between pallets for ventilation and access.
Periodic Monitoring and Inventory Management:
Regularly check warehouse conditions (temperature, humidity, light) and inspect bags for tears, leaks, or moisture signs. Record production and entry dates for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management to prevent quality degradation.
Proper packaging and transportation of Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch are essential to maintain quality throughout the supply chain and prevent contamination or physical damage.
Packaging and Transport Requirements:
Durable Packaging:
Typically packed in 25 kg laminated bags resistant to moisture, dust, and tearing, with an inner polyethylene layer (minimum 100 microns) to prevent moisture ingress. Big bags (500–1000 kg) with discharge valves are suitable for large orders.
Clear Labeling:
Each package must have durable, abrasion-resistant labels with details like product name, net weight, production date, batch number, and safety warnings (e.g., “keep away from moisture and heat”). Labels should comply with international standards like ISO 780.
Safe Transport:
Transport vehicles must have proper ventilation to prevent heat and moisture buildup. In hot seasons, use temperature-controlled containers (<30°C). Vehicles should be clean and free of chemicals or contaminants to avoid masterbatch contamination.
Load Stability:
Arrange bags symmetrically in vehicles and secure with straps or stretch film to prevent tipping or shifting. Use standard wooden or plastic pallets with a minimum 1000 kg load capacity for stability.
Compliance with Standards:
Transport must comply with international regulations like ADR for chemical materials. Provide transport documents, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and quality certificates, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Producing Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch is a complex process that may encounter challenges.
Identifying and addressing these issues is critical to ensuring final product quality.
Common Production Issues and Solutions:
Insufficient Calcium Carbonate Dispersion:
Uneven dispersion can cause particle agglomeration, leading to surface defects or weak points. This occurs due to coarse particles (>10 microns) or inadequate mixing. Use chemical dispersants, high-speed mixers, and fine calcium carbonate (1–5 microns) to resolve.
Poor Melt Flow:
High viscosity can cause surface defects like lines or uneven texture in extrusion or molding. Adjust extruder temperature (180–250°C depending on polymer) and increase screw speed to improve melt flow.
Material Contamination:
Dust, impurities, or residual materials can reduce masterbatch quality. Use advanced filtration systems, regular equipment cleaning, and separate production lines for different formulations to minimize contamination.
Air Voids Formation:
High moisture content (>600 ppm) can create air bubbles, causing structural weaknesses or visual defects. Pre-dry masterbatch (70–80°C for 2 hours) and use extruders with gas venting systems to mitigate.
Reduced Product Flexibility:
High calcium carbonate content (>40%) may increase brittleness, especially in thin films or flexible parts. Use coupling agents (e.g., silane or maleic anhydride) and adjust formulations to improve flexibility.
Filler Buildup in Equipment:
Calcium carbonate particles may accumulate in extruders or molds, reducing efficiency. Use lubricants and perform periodic equipment cleaning to minimize buildup.
Selecting high-quality Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch is essential for optimal performance, reduced waste, and durable products.
Key Criteria for Industrial Buyers:
Calcium Carbonate Quality:
Must have high purity (>98%) and fine particle size (1–5 microns) for uniform dispersion, enhanced mechanical properties, and better surface quality. Verify quality certificates (e.g., ISO 9001).
Filler Dispersion:
Uniform dispersion prevents particle agglomeration and surface defects. Request samples and conduct dispersion tests under real production conditions (e.g., extrusion tests).
Moisture Content:
Should be below 600 ppm to avoid bubbles or defects, with <400 ppm preferred for sensitive applications like thin films. Reputable suppliers should provide moisture test reports.
Melt Flow Index (MFI):
Masterbatch should have an MFI compatible with the base polymer (typically 10–50 g/10 min) for optimal processability and energy efficiency. Request MFI data from suppliers.
Base Polymer Compatibility:
Must be fully compatible with the target polymer (e.g., PE, PP, PVC) to avoid issues like phase separation or reduced properties. Request detailed technical data sheets.
Safety Certifications:
For applications like food packaging or agriculture, ensure compliance with standards like FDA, REACH, or RoHS, confirming the absence of harmful impurities like heavy metals.
Moisture and Environmental Resistance:
For humid applications (e.g., agricultural films), ensure anti-moisture additives are included. Request environmental resistance test reports.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Balance cost and quality by comparing prices based on calcium carbonate content and additives (e.g., dispersants).
Similarities:
Both are used with Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch for packaging films and injection-molded parts.
Differences:
PE and PP alone lack fillers, while masterbatch reduces costs and enhances strength.
Advantage:
Cost reduction and improved mechanical properties.
Limitation:
Reduced flexibility at high percentages.
Similarities:
Both used in packaging. Masterbatch reduces PET bottle costs.
Differences:
PET is transparent, while masterbatch is opaque.
Advantage:
Cost-effectiveness.
Limitation:
Unsuitable for transparent applications.
Similarities:
Both used for high-strength injection-molded parts.
Differences:
ABS has higher impact resistance, but masterbatch reduces costs.
Advantage:
Cost reduction.
Limitation:
Reduced flexibility.
Similarities:
Both are additives to improve plastic properties.
Differences:
Slip masterbatch reduces friction, while Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch enhances strength.
Advantage:
Improved mechanical properties.
Limitation:
No impact on friction.
Similarities:
Both are additives compatible with various polymers.
Differences:
White masterbatch is for coloring, while Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch reduces costs and enhances strength.
Advantage:
Cost-effectiveness.
Limitation:
No impact on color.
Similarities:
Both are additives to enhance plastic properties.
Differences:
Color masterbatch is for coloring, while Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch reduces costs and enhances strength.
Advantage:
Cost reduction.
Limitation:
No impact on appearance.
It’s a plastic additive combining a base polymer (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It reduces production costs, improves mechanical strength, and enhances processability for products like bags, pipes, and injection-molded parts.
Packaging (plastic bags, industrial films), construction (pipes, profiles), agriculture (mulch films), and injection molding (household and automotive parts) are primary users.
Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch reduces costs and enhances strength, often resulting in an opaque appearance, while color masterbatch is designed for vibrant coloring and improved aesthetics.
Yes, if made with high-purity calcium carbonate and compliant with safety standards like FDA or REACH. Verify supplier certifications.
Add at 5–40% to raw materials, depending on the polymer, application (e.g., film or injection), and desired properties. Consult suppliers for precise dosing.
Reduces production costs (up to 30%), improves tensile strength and hardness, enhances processability, ensures dimensional stability, and supports environmental sustainability.
Yes, when combined with recyclable polymers like PE or PP, though high calcium carbonate content may complicate recycling processes.
Typically 5–40%: 5–20% for thin films and packaging, up to 40% for injection-molded parts or pipes. Conduct production tests for precise dosing.
Yes, its opaque nature reduces transparency, making it unsuitable for clear products like PET bottles.
Up to two years under proper storage conditions (15–25°C, <1500 ppm moisture, away from UV light).
Yes, with anti-moisture or anti-UV additives for applications like agricultural films or external pipes. Check supplier specifications.
Evaluate dispersion, purity (>98%), particle size (1–5 microns), moisture content (<600 ppm), and mechanical properties through production testing.
Yes, by reducing expensive polymer use, optimizing processability, and minimizing waste.
High-purity (>98%) calcium carbonate with fine particles (1–5 microns), typically ground calcium carbonate (GCC), though precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is used for specific applications.
No, if made with high-quality materials and standard additives. Choose reputable suppliers to avoid issues.
Depends on application: 5–20% for thin films and packaging, 20–40% for injection-molded parts or pipes. Test samples in production for optimal results.
Yes, its matte surface may reduce ink or coating adhesion. Use corona treatment or specialized inks to mitigate.
PE-based is ideal for flexible films and packaging, while PP-based suits injection-molded parts and products needing higher thermal resistance.
No, it acts as a filler, reducing polymer use (up to 40%) and costs but cannot fully replace polymers.
Use high-dispersion masterbatch, lubricants, and periodic equipment cleaning to avoid buildup.
High percentages (>40%) may increase brittleness. Use coupling agents and optimized formulations to reduce this risk.
Select suppliers with quality certifications (e.g., ISO 9001), test reports (purity, moisture, dispersion), testable samples, and strong technical support.