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PCC Global Products For Paper

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is a widely used mineral pigment for worldwide paper production. It is valued for its high brightness and light scattering characteristics in paper filling and coating applications.

PCC Production PCC is produced through a reaction process that utilizes calcium oxide (quicklime), water, and carbon dioxide. The reaction produces very pure calcium carbonate crystals and water. The crystals can be produced in a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific reaction process that is used.

The three main shapes of PCC crystals are aragonite, rhombohedral, and scalenohedral. Within each crystal type, the PCC process can also control mean particle size, size distribution, and surface area.

Imerys PCC Production

Most of the PCC produced throughout the world comes from satellite PCC plants at paper mill sites. The two main raw materials required are quicklime and carbon dioxide. Since quicklime is readily available in many areas of the world, it can be delivered to the satellite plant at a reasonable cost. In most cases, carbon dioxide is available to be used from a mill flue gas source. This makes the PCC economically attractive for these paper mills, since the carbon dioxide is supplied to Imerys at no cost. Imerys produces a range of PCC products characterized by specific particle shape, particle size distribution, and optical properties. Our process control systems ensure that we produce a consistent, high quality product that meets our customers' precise specifications.

Logistics PCC products are supplied in slurry form to the "host" paper mill where the satellite PCC plant is located. If the PCC plant has excess capacity, then products can also be shipped in slurry form by tank truck (and in some cases by railcar) to other paper mills. Since filler PCC is at low solids, it is usually only shipped short distances for economic reasons.