1. What is Talc filler masterbatch?
Talc filler masterbatch is a mixture made of talc powder, base resin (PP, PE, HD, HIPS, etc.) and various additives such as dispersant additives, bonding additives, etc. So what is Talc powder?
Talc is a metamorphic mineral in solid form. The full scientific name is hydrated magnesium silicate, with the chemical formula isMg3Si4O10(OH)2. In nature, talc is often found in a stone called steatite or soapstone (a high-talc rock), it is often combined with other minerals such as chloride and carbonate. Talc is usually blue, white, gray, brown orcolorless. In various industries ranging from plastics, cosmetics, paper, etc. talc is ground into white powder and mixed with other compounds so it is known as talcum powder.
In addition, talc is also known as “soft stone”. This stone, as its name suggests, has a special softness that is often used in sculpture. What is talc filler masterbatch? How was it produced and applied? It can be said, thanks to the following 4 outstanding features, “talcum powder” or “soft stone” has very special properties that are widely applied in different fields:
- Moderate softness (Talc has the lowest hardness compared to other minerals in nature)
- Very smooth, feels like soap when touching
- Good electrical insulation, good insulation, high melting point, low thermal expansion
- Force with organic substances (capable of combining with organic substances)
- Is an inert chemical
In the plastic industry, Talc is widely used by masterbatch manufacturer to produce filler masterbatch. As a high-content ingredient in plastic fillers, talc will increase the hardness of several base resins such as polypropylene, vinyl, plastic, nylon and polyester. Moreover, it can also function as an anti-stick agent, antifreeze, lubricant, smoothing agent, etc.
2. The role of Talc filler masterbatch in plastic production
Talc Filler masterbatch is composed of talc powder, base resin and supportive additives. It is considered as the perfect filler for plastic that help masterbatch manufacturer improving productivity while reducing production costs. Plastic masterbatch containing talc powder can be used to replace a part of primary plastic (the input material for plastic-based products manufacturing). This is a smart solution aiming at saving raw materials while limiting the amount of crude oil – resources are gradually exhausted, in plastic production. Another great effect is that the talc filler will greatly improve the plastic properties, helping the plastic output products have higher value in the consumer market.
With outstanding advantages in the following features, talc filler masterbatch brings positive results for the plastic industry, especially the masterbatch sector. Their advanced functions include:
- Increase heat resistance for plastics
- Help plastic products enhancing its abrasion and slip resistance when contacting other products’ surfaces
- Reduce plastic shrinkage, help shaping and stabilizing the product’s sizes easily
- Improve printing features on the surface of material, limit applying surface treatment with corona.
- Increase durability for plastic
- Anti-blocking plastic, flatten the surface without using anti-block additives (enhance anti-block feature)
Talc filler masterbatch is very popular among masterbatch manufacturer because it is suitable for most traditional production processes such as bag blowing, injection molding, extrusion molding, compression molding, etc. without having to upgrade or changing the equipment or production technology. Talc fillers containing talcum powder must undergo processing stages to produce all kinds of packaging (shopping bags, food bags, garbage bags, bottles, food containers, etc.), hollow tubes, plates, electrical covers, bowls, plates, etc.
Let’s take a look at a specific example of talc filler masterbatch application in the automotive industry. Plastic fillers that are composed of talc powder, PP resin and some other additives are able to increase the hardness of PP base resin and improve impact resistance. Talc powder has the effect in increasing the bending coefficient by 20% and reducing the coefficient of thermal expansion by less than 20% so that the output products does not deform at high temperatures. This combination is suitable for creating dampers, balance parts or high-impact parts of cars.
3. Consideration when using talcum powder to produce filler masterbatch
Talc powder is useful in producing filler masterbatch but can be risky if not used properly. Talc miners have a high incidence of lung cancer and respiratory diseases due to exposure to talc powder containing silicon dioxide and asbestos. Inhaling talcum powder can also pose a threat, especially to babies and women. While there isn’t clear evidence linking talcum powder to cancer risks, caution should be exercised, and employees should be trained on its usage to minimize harm.
4. About EuP Egypt
EuP Egypt is a world’s leading filler masterbatch manufacturer in Egypt. With 17 years of experience, EuP Egypt proudly brings customers tailor-made plastic material solutions to help them enhance their competitiveness.
Contact us right now to get more information!
