Meaning
Mineral filler compounds derived from crushed limestone improve stiffness and reduce formulation costs in thermoplastic compounding and extrusion applications. Polymer formulators incorporate calcium carbonate to enhance thermal conductivity, accelerate moulding cycle times and increase flexural modulus in finished parts. The functional loading ranges from low percentages for anti-blocking up to high loadings in filled polyolefin compounds.
Compounding Property
Particulate dimensions and surface treatments govern dispersion quality inside the molten polymer matrix. Incorporating fine calcium carbonate increases melt density and alters rheological behavior during extrusion or injection moulding. Uncoated particles increase melt viscosity, whereas stearic acid coatings improve polymer wetting and processability.
Particulate dispersion quality directly impacts compound melt stability under high shear forces.
Moulding Performance
Moulded components containing mineral fillers exhibit reduced mold shrinkage and improved dimensional stability upon cooling. Higher thermal conductivity allows faster heat dissipation, shortening cooling times during processing runs. Melt flow behavior shifts noticeably at high filler loadings, requiring higher injection pressures and barrel temperatures.
Economic Value
Replacing virgin polymer resin with processed mineral filler lowers overall raw material costs per volume unit. Recycled resin blends benefit from mineral additions through improved impact strength and reduced sink mark formation in thick-walled parts. Over-loading causes embrittlement, poor surface finish and excessive tool wear.