Development of a novel compounding process for the production of calcium carbonate masterbatch.

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 19034.2 PFIW-IW

Short description (German)

Entwicklung eines neuartigen Compoundierprozesses für die Produktion von Calciumcarbonat Masterbatchen

Short description (English)

Development of a novel compounding process for the production of calcium carbonate masterbatch.

Abstract (German)

Thermoplastics can be filled with mineral additives. These fillers are generally used to lower the consumption of more expensive oil-based polymeric materials, hence reducing carbon footprint and cost but also to improve the properties of the final products. The desired incorporation of fine-ground fillers to achieve these properties improvement only works if they are well dispersed within the polymer. However, a perfect dispersion is difficult to achieve due to the large specific surfaces of fine particles and their intrinsic tendency to form agglomerates. As a result, the development of a novel and efficient compounding process for the production of masterbatch with tailor-made submicron CaCO3 using a twin-screw extruder and special feeding system would address the afore-mentioned shortcomings to the benefit of the polymer industry as well as the whole value chain up to the consumer.

Abstract (English)

Thermoplastics can be filled with mineral additives. These fillers are generally used to lower the consumption of more expensive oil-based polymeric materials, hence reducing carbon footprint and cost but also to improve the properties of the final products. The desired incorporation of fine-ground fillers to achieve these properties improvement only works if they are well dispersed within the polymer. However, a perfect dispersion is difficult to achieve due to the large specific surfaces of fine particles and their intrinsic tendency to form agglomerates. As a result, the development of a novel and efficient compounding process for the production of masterbatch with tailor-made submicron CaCO3 using a twin-screw extruder and special feeding system would address the afore-mentioned shortcomings to the benefit of the polymer industry as well as the whole value chain up to the consumer.