The Albafil® precipitated calcium carbonates (PCCs) from Specialty Minerals Inc. (SMI) represent a set of economical fiber substitutes that improve wet press efficiency, reduce dryer steam demand, and allow more bonding within the wet fiber web. Hence, Albafil® PCCs provide papermakers with higher productivity through fewer web breaks and faster machine speeds, while significantly improving sheet quality. Albafil® PCC’s particle size and shape also provide superior optical properties over ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and chalk.
Albafil® PCC is available in a range of closely controlled particle sizes that can be customized to suit an individual mill’s requirements. The narrow particle size distribution of Albafil® PCC, coupled with its prismatic shape, produces the best filler for higher mineral content alkaline papers. Its smaller average particle size scatters light more effectively than any natural ground filler, producing a more opaque and brighter sheet.
SMI manufactures four slurry grades of Albafil® PCC as shown in the selector chart. In general, these calcite crystals have similar properties but differ in particle sizes and surface areas. The smaller particle sizes can be used where opacification and porosity controls are desired. The larger particle sizes provide highest dry strength and excellent internal sizing
For neutral or slightly acid papermaking systems, SMI has patented the AT® PCC system, which allows papermakers to use PCC in environments down to pH 6.5. The paper machine wet end environment is buffered to protect the PCC from acid dissolution.
In addition to its incorporation into printing and writing papers, Albafil® PCC is also widely used as a filler in cigarette papers to control the burn rate.
You can download and print technical data and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for Albafil® PCC. Click here.
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