Matting calcium carbonate generally refers to calcium carbonate products used for matting purposes. Its main function is to adjust the gloss of material surfaces, making them appear low-gloss or matte.
Characteristics
Excellent matting performance
- It effectively reduces the gloss of material surfaces, giving products a soft and non-glaring appearance. For example, in coatings, matting calcium carbonate can reduce the gloss level of a surface from high gloss to low gloss or even matte, meeting different consumer demands for product appearance.
- By adjusting the dosage of matting calcium carbonate, gloss levels can be precisely controlled to suit various application requirements.
Uniform particle size
- Matting calcium carbonate usually has a relatively uniform particle size distribution, generally ranging from a few microns to several tens of microns. A uniform particle size helps it disperse evenly in materials, preventing agglomeration and ensuring stable, consistent matting effects.
- Appropriate particle size also influences other material properties such as wear resistance and hiding power.
Good chemical stability
- Matting calcium carbonate has good chemical stability and is not prone to react with other materials. In coatings, plastics, and other applications, it can be compatible with different resins and additives without affecting overall material performance.
- It also shows certain resistance to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals, maintaining stable performance under various environmental conditions.
High whiteness
- It generally has high whiteness, providing a good color base for materials. In white or light-colored products, matting calcium carbonate ensures color purity without negative effects.
- Its high whiteness also improves the hiding power of materials, helping coatings better cover underlying colors and defects.
Applications
Coatings industry
- Widely used in various coatings such as wood coatings, metal coatings, and plastic coatings. Matting calcium carbonate adjusts gloss levels to meet diverse decorative needs. For example, in high-end furniture paints, matte effects highlight the natural beauty and texture of wood. In industrial coatings, matte surfaces reduce reflections, improve visual comfort, and conceal minor surface defects.
- When used with other coating ingredients, it can also enhance hardness, wear resistance, and weatherability. In some special coating formulations, matting calcium also provides anti-corrosion and fire-resistant effects.
Plastics industry
- Used in the production of various plastic products such as films, sheets, and pipes. Adding matting calcium carbonate reduces the surface gloss of plastics, giving them better visual appeal and tactile feel. For instance, matte plastic films in high-end packaging enhance product quality, while low-gloss plastic flooring reduces reflections and improves walking safety.
- It also improves plastic processing performance, such as flowability and mold release, while enhancing mechanical properties like strength and stiffness.
Paper industry
- During papermaking, matting calcium carbonate can be used as a filler to improve opacity and whiteness while reducing gloss. Low-gloss paper is more suitable for printing and writing, helping reduce eye strain.
- It also enhances paper strength, smoothness, and other properties, thereby improving paper quality.
Other industries
It also has applications in inks, rubber, and cosmetics. In inks, it adjusts gloss and improves printability. In rubber products, it reduces surface gloss while improving wear resistance and aging resistance. In cosmetics, it is used in matte lipsticks, eyeshadows, and other products to add texture and a fashionable matte effect.
Usage Considerations
Dispersibility
- Good dispersibility is essential to ensure even distribution in materials and achieve optimal matting performance. In coatings and plastics, dispersibility can be improved through dispersants and high-speed mixing.
- For products with poor dispersibility, surface treatments such as coating with organic or inorganic substances can be used to enhance performance.
Dosage
- The amount of matting calcium carbonate should be adjusted according to specific application requirements and material properties. Too little may not achieve the desired effect, while too much could negatively affect other properties such as strength and flowability.
- Dosage optimization can be determined through experiments to find the best balance.
Compatibility with other materials
- Matting calcium carbonate must be compatible with other components in the formulation to avoid adverse reactions. Compatibility tests should be conducted beforehand to ensure it does not harm material performance.
- If incompatibility occurs, adjustments to the formulation or the use of alternative matting agents may be necessary.
Conclusion
As an important matting material, matting calcium carbonate has broad application prospects. During use, it is essential to select suitable products based on specific requirements and material properties, while paying attention to dispersibility, dosage, and compatibility. This ensures full performance advantages in matting effects and other properties.