Synthesis of precipitated calcium carbonate: a review

Abstract

The current high global demand for high-quality paper, paint, adhesive/sealant, and plastic, filler industries cannot survive without unique and high-quality precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). They are used as fillers, additives, and reinforcements. PCC is a key constituent of the modern paper and plastic industry. This article reports the effect of various organic and inorganic additives used in the synthesis of the different polymorph of calcium carbonate. The use of precipitated calcium carbonate fillers is the recommended choice in enhancing optical properties, durability, smoothness and ink adsorption in papermaking and improving the mechanical properties of plastic. PCC can best be synthesized using solid–liquid route or the gas–solid–liquid carbonation route, which consists of bubbling gaseous CO2 through a concentrated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and/or calcium magnesium hydroxide (Ca·Mg(OH)2) slurry with suitable organic additives. The use of several organic and synthetic additives in conjunction with different reaction parameters for the synthesis of the various polymorph of precipitated calcium carbonate is reported. Depending on the desired end use, PCC polymorphs such as aragonite, vaterite and calcite are vital in the plastic and rubber industries.