[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, properties of calcium carbonate

Calcium Carbonate Properties

Calcium carbonate (CaCO) is a white solid, odorless and tasteless. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, difficult to dissolve in water, but in acid can quickly react to generate carbon dioxide. There are two main crystal forms of calcium carbonate: calcite and aragonite. Calcite has high stability, while aragonite easily transforms into calcite at higher temperature or pressure. Calcium carbonate has good optical and electrical insulation properties, moderate hardness, and is widely used in a variety of industrial applications.

The main use of calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is widely used in industry, covering almost all fields. In the plastics and rubber industry, it is used as a filler to enhance the hardness and wear resistance of materials. In the paper industry, calcium carbonate is used as a filler and coating pigment to improve the smoothness and brightness of paper. In the construction industry, calcium carbonate is the basic raw material for the production of cement, lime and glass. Calcium carbonate is also used as a calcium supplement and pH regulator in food, medicine and cosmetics to meet the needs of human health and product quality.

Calcium carbonate upstream and downstream raw materials

The upstream raw materials of calcium carbonate are mainly natural minerals such as limestone, chalk and marble. Limestone can be directly used in the production of calcium carbonate after mining and crushing. Chemical enterprises obtain calcium oxide (quicklime) by calcining limestone, and then react with carbon dioxide to produce calcium carbonate. Downstream products include a variety of modified calcium carbonate products, such as nano calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate, etc., these products have a wider range of applications in high-end industries, such as high-performance plastics and rubber, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Calcium carbonate production process

There are two main processes for the production of calcium carbonate: dry and wet. Dry production is mainly produced by calcining limestone to produce calcium oxide, which is then reacted with carbon dioxide to produce calcium carbonate. Wet production is through the limestone crushed and suspended in water, and then into the carbon dioxide reaction, precipitated calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate produced by wet method has small particle size and high purity, and is widely used in industries requiring high precision. The choice of production process mainly depends on the use and quality requirements of the final product.

Calcium carbonate storage method

The storage of calcium carbonate needs to consider the problems of moisture resistance, pollution prevention and agglomeration prevention. Under normal circumstances, calcium carbonate should be stored in a dry, ventilated and cool environment to avoid contact with acidic substances to prevent chemical reactions from causing product deterioration. For powdered calcium carbonate, pay attention to sealing during storage to prevent moisture in the air from causing the product to agglomerate. Large storage facilities should be regularly inspected to ensure proper environmental conditions and product stability.

Calcium Carbonate Market Demand and Prospect

The market demand for calcium carbonate is greatly affected by the downstream industry. In recent years, with the rapid development of the construction industry, plastics and rubber industry, the demand for calcium carbonate continues to grow. Especially in developing countries, the acceleration of urbanization and the increase of infrastructure construction have further promoted the market demand for calcium carbonate. With the improvement of people's awareness of health and environmental protection, the market prospect of food grade and pharmaceutical grade calcium carbonate is also very broad. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the development of emerging applications, the market for calcium carbonate will be more diversified and high-end.

Calcium Carbonate's Environmental Effect

As a natural mineral, calcium carbonate has good environmental performance. The production process produces less waste, and most of it can be recycled. Calcium carbonate does not produce harmful substances during use and meets the requirements of green environmental protection. In wastewater treatment and flue gas desulfurization, calcium carbonate also plays an important role in effectively reducing industrial emissions of pollutants. In the future, with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the application of calcium carbonate in the field of environmental protection will be more extensive.

Calcium Carbonate Technology Innovation

In recent years, the production and application of calcium carbonate technology innovation, nano calcium carbonate, modified calcium carbonate and other new products continue to emerge. Because of its small particle size, large specific surface area and unique physical and chemical properties, nano-calcium carbonate has important applications in high-performance materials such as plastics, rubber and coatings. Modified calcium carbonate through surface treatment, improve its compatibility and functionality with the substrate, to meet the needs of specific industrial applications. Technological innovation not only improves the added value of calcium carbonate, but also broadens its application fields.

Calcium Carbonate Industry Chain Challenges and Opportunities

The main challenges facing the calcium carbonate industry chain include raw material price fluctuations, stricter environmental protection policies and intensified market competition. Fluctuations in the price of raw materials such as limestone will directly affect the production cost of calcium carbonate, while stricter environmental protection policies require companies to invest more resources in technological upgrades and pollution control. The intensification of market competition also requires enterprises to continuously improve product quality and innovation capabilities. Challenges and opportunities coexist. With the advancement of science and technology and the development of emerging markets, the calcium carbonate industry will usher in new development opportunities, especially in the field of high-end materials and environmental protection applications.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, calcium carbonate occupies an important position in industrial production by virtue of its excellent properties and wide range of uses. Through scientific storage and management, the quality and stability of calcium carbonate products can be ensured. In the face of changes in market demand and opportunities for technological innovation, the calcium carbonate industry should actively respond to challenges, seize development opportunities, promote the upgrading and optimization of the industrial chain, and ensure that it maintains a leading position in the future market competition.