Key Indicators to Check When Buying Precipitated Calcium Carbonate

Why Specs Matter More Than Price

When you buy precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), a low price means little if the powder does not run well in your line. The numbers on the COA (Certificate of Analysis) decide whether your pipes stay white, your masterbatch disperses cleanly, and your complaint rate stays low. Here are the indicators we tell every buyer to check before placing an order.

Calcium Carbonate Content (CaCO3 %)

The first number is purity — how much actual CaCO₃ sits in the bag. For PCC used in PVC, coatings and masterbatch, look for ≥98%. Lower purity usually means more inert residue, which weakens the reinforcing effect and can add haze to films and coatings.

Whiteness / Brightness

Whiteness (scored on a 0–100 scale) tells you how close the powder is to pure white. For white PVC pipes, coatings and paper, whiteness ≥94° keeps your final product bright without extra titanium dioxide. If two quotes are close in price, the higher whiteness normally wins.

Fineness: Mesh vs Micron (D97)

"Mesh" describes particle size: the smaller the particle, the higher the mesh number. Our HB-101 is 1250 mesh, which corresponds to a D97 around 10.5 microns. Always ask for the D97 (or D50) micron value, not just "mesh," because mesh standards differ between countries. Stable particle size means stable viscosity and surface finish.

Oil Absorption (g/100g)

Oil absorption shows how much resin or oil the powder takes up. High oil absorption forces you to add more expensive binder. Standard PCC runs 60 g/100g; surface-modified (activated) PCC drops to about 35 g/100g, which saves resin in masterbatch and coatings. Match this number to your formulation budget.

Moisture and pH

Moisture should stay below 0.4% — wet powder clumps, blocks feeders and ruins dosing accuracy. PCC pH sits around 9.6 (slightly alkaline). If your process is acid-sensitive, confirm pH with the supplier before a bulk order.

Surface Treatment (Activation)

If you use PCC in plastic or rubber, ask whether it is surface-modified (activated). A stearic-acid coating raises the activation degree to 99%, improving dispersion in non-polar resin and cutting agglomerates. Plain PCC works as a filler; activated PCC works where resin compatibility matters.

Heavy Metals and Compliance

For pipes, toys or food-contact applications, request heavy-metal and lead limits on the COA. A responsible supplier provides third-party SGS reports, not only a self-checked sheet.

Packaging and Consistency

Finally, check the bag: 25 kg multi-layer bags with a moisture-proof lining protect the powder in humid transit. Ask for a batch-to-batch consistency statement — stable specs across shipments matter more than one perfect sample.

What SHAOFEI Provides

SHAOFEI TRADING supplies HB-101 (1250 mesh, CaCO₃ ≥98%, whiteness 94°, oil absorption 60, moisture <0.4%, pH 9.6) and SFA-PCC-99 surface-modified PCC (activation 99%, oil absorption 35). Every lot ships with COA, MSDS and TDS, and supports third-party SGS inspection. Tell us your application and we will match the right grade.