Ultrafine Calcium Carbonate
Minerals & Trace Elements
Acidity Regulators
Colorants
Nutritional Enhancers
471-34-1
E170
CaCO₃
$26.68 ~ $40.02
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Ultrafine Calcium Carbonate?
Ultrafine Calcium Carbonate is an extremely fine powder of naturally occurring mineral (CaCO3), primarily used in the food industry as a highly bioavailable source of calcium fortification and as an effective anticaking and whitening agent.
How is Ultrafine Calcium Carbonate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Calcination | Heating high-purity limestone (CaCO3) in a vertical kiln to decompose it into quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. | The purity of the limestone is paramount for final product brightness and purity. Kiln temperature (900-1100°C) must be precisely controlled to ensure complete calcination without deactivating the quicklime. The CO2 gas is captured for use in a later step. |
| 2 | Slaking (Hydration) | Reacting the quicklime with purified water in a slaker to produce a calcium hydroxide slurry, commonly known as "milk of lime." | Control of the water-to-lime ratio and reaction temperature is critical as it influences the size of the hydrated lime particles, which in turn affects the final product's particle size. The slurry is screened to remove unreacted grit. |
| 3 | Carbonation (Precipitation) | Bubbling the captured CO2 gas through the calcium hydroxide slurry in a reactor, causing ultrafine calcium carbonate to precipitate. | This is the most crucial step for determining the final product properties. Slurry concentration, temperature, pH, and CO2 flow rate are tightly controlled to manipulate the particle size, crystal structure (morphology), and distribution. |
| 4 | Dewatering & Filtration | Separating the precipitated calcium carbonate solids from the water using equipment like a rotary vacuum filter or filter press. | The goal is to achieve a consistent filter cake moisture content. Efficient washing during this stage is important to remove any residual soluble salts, ensuring high product purity. |
| 5 | Surface Treatment (Coating) | (Optional but common) Treating the wet cake or slurry with a surface coating agent, such as stearic acid, under controlled mixing and temperature. | The type and dosage of the coating agent are selected based on the end application (e.g., to improve dispersion in polymers). Uniform application is key to product performance. |
| 6 | Drying & Deagglomeration | Drying the filter cake using a flash dryer or similar equipment, followed by a milling or deagglomeration process to break up any particle clusters. | Drying temperature must be carefully managed to prevent degrading the surface coating or causing hard agglomerates to form. The deagglomeration step ensures a fine, free-flowing powder. |
| 7 | Quality Control & Packaging | Testing the final powder for key parameters and then packaging it into moisture-proof bags or bulk containers. | Final product is tested for particle size distribution, whiteness, oil absorption, purity, and moisture content. Proper packaging is essential to protect the product from ambient moisture. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 471-34-1 |
| Chemical Formula | CaCO₃ |
| Solubility | insoluble in water; soluble in acids |
| Storage Conditions | store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
used as a calcium source in fortified foods
anti-caking agent in powdered products
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Ultrafine Calcium Carbonate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Anti-caking Agent; pH Control Agent / Acidity Regulator; Firming Agent; Nutrient Supplement (Calcium Source); Opacifier / Colorant. |
| Key Ingredients | Food-grade Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), precipitated and ground to a very fine particle size (typically < 10 microns). |
| Mechanism of Action | As an anti-caking agent, its fine particles physically coat larger particles, absorbing ambient moisture and reducing inter-particle contact to prevent clumping. As a pH buffer, it neutralizes acids due to its alkaline nature. As a firming agent, dissociated calcium ions (Ca2+) cross-link with pectin in plant cell walls to form rigid calcium pectate gels. As an opacifier, the small, insoluble crystals effectively scatter light, imparting whiteness and opacity. |
| Application Effect in Product | Ensures free-flowing properties in powdered mixes, spices, and salts. Maintains crisp texture in canned vegetables. Fortifies products like baked goods, cereals, and plant-based milks with calcium. Provides a bright white, opaque appearance in icings, coatings, and confectionery. Stabilizes pH in processed foods. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrafine Calcium Carbonate (Ground) | Mineral Filler / Extender | Ground limestone, <2 µm particle size, high brightness, low oil absorption. | Excellent cost-performance balance; high whiteness and gloss contribution; improves impact strength in PVC. | Lower reinforcing effect than synthetic fillers; acid sensitive; can be abrasive to processing equipment. | PVC pipes and profiles, high-gloss paints, breathable plastic films, paper coatings, sealants. | For cost-effective brightness, gloss, and moderate mechanical improvements in high-volume applications. |
| Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) | Synthetic Functional Filler | Chemically produced, uniform nano-scale particles, controlled crystal shape and purity. | Superior impact modification and rheology control; higher opacity and brightness; excellent dispersion. | Significantly higher cost than ground carbonates; higher production energy. | Automotive adhesives and sealants, high-performance PVC, high-opacity paper filler, inks. | When precise particle size and shape are required for maximum impact strength, opacity, or rheology performance. |
| Talc (Micronized) | Mineral Reinforcing Filler | Platy (lamellar) particle shape, hydrophobic, chemically inert, very soft mineral. | Greatly increases stiffness and dimensional stability in plastics; provides excellent barrier properties; acts as a nucleating agent. | Lower brightness and whiteness; can reduce impact strength; potential asbestos concerns depending on source. | Automotive plastics (polypropylene), anti-corrosive primers, rubber compounds, wood coatings. | To enhance stiffness, heat distortion temperature, and barrier properties, especially in polyolefins. |
| Calcined Kaolin | Functional Extender Pigment | Thermally treated aluminosilicate clay; high brightness and opacity; good electrical resistivity. | Excellent hiding power (opacity) and scrub resistance in coatings; improves electrical insulation properties. | More abrasive than carbonates; higher cost; can be hydrophilic without surface treatment. | High-hiding architectural paints (matte/satin), wire and cable insulation, performance rubber goods. | For superior opacity and electrical insulation where performance justifies the higher cost. |
| Fumed Silica | Synthetic Rheology Modifier | Extremely high surface area, amorphous SiO2, low bulk density, forms 3D network. | Powerful thickening and thixotropic (anti-sag) agent; provides significant reinforcement in elastomers. | Very high cost; difficult to handle and disperse due to low density; highly hydrophilic. | Adhesives and sealants for viscosity control, silicone rubber reinforcement, matting agent in coatings. | For high-performance thickening, reinforcement, or anti-sagging where function is critical and cost is secondary. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
spec sheets and monographs available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications