Plastics

Due to the lamellar form of particles, talc can be active (reinforcing) filler in some cases in the manufacture of a wide range of polymeric materials (polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polyethylene foam, plastic foam, polystyrene, fiber-optic materials, etc.).

Introducing 40% of talc in the form of fine powder to polyvinylchloride (PVC) increases its rigidity from 1.38 GPa to 4.14 Gpa (with calcium carbonate - only to 2.76 GPa).

Using talc for polypropylene (PP) manufacturing allows improving PP’s fluidity and formability, reduces molding shrinkage, and generally ensures a better quality of surfaces. Talc/polypropylene composites are commonly used to manufacture decorative elements and critical parts subject to prolonged loads.

Talc is also used to produce polyethylene and polystyrene composites, which contributes to enhanced physical and mechanical properties of the materials.

Talc increases temperature resistance and UV stability, improves fluidity, reduces molding shrinkage, upgrades surface quality of molded parts, and enhances product’s appearance.

Talc’s low abrasiveness allows decreasing equipment wear and tear.

Due to its high electric resistance, talc contributes to an improved plastics’ capacity to resist electricity. This property is used in manufacturing polypropylene to produce cases for computers, TV sets and various electrical equipment.

Finally, due to being chemically inert, talc does not hamper delivering safe and eco-friendly polymeric materials that may be used for manufacturing food package.

Therefore, using micro-talc in the plastics industry solely stems from its natural properties, and the market of so-called engineering thermoplastics (polysulfones, polycarbonates, etc.), where talc finds its application, has a promising outlook.