Light calcium carbonate, also called precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), is the backbone filler of the masterbatch industry. For masterbatch producers, the right PCC grade determines how much filler you can load, how smoothly the compound processes, and how clean the final pellet looks. This guide covers what masterbatch buyers should specify, how PCC behaves inside filler masterbatch, and how to secure a stable factory-direct supply.
What Is Light Calcium Carbonate (PCC)?
Light calcium carbonate is made by a chemical precipitation process rather than by grinding limestone. The result is a fine, white, high-purity powder with tightly controlled particle size and very low impurity. In masterbatch, PCC is preferred over ground (heavy) calcium carbonate because its smaller, more uniform particles disperse better in the carrier resin and produce fewer black specks and surface defects.
For filler masterbatch, the workhorse grade is typically 1250 mesh, where the D97 particle size is around 10 microns. This fineness lets you push high filler loading without wrecking the melt flow or the pellet appearance.
Key Specifications That Matter for Masterbatch
When sourcing light calcium carbonate for masterbatch, watch five numbers:
- Mesh / particle size: 1250 mesh (D97 ≈ 10.55 μm) is the proven grade for high-loading filler masterbatch.
- Whiteness: ≥94° keeps the masterbatch bright and avoids tinting the carrier resin.
- Oil absorption: around 60 ml/100g for standard PCC; lower oil absorption means you can pack in more filler before viscosity spikes.
- Moisture: ≤0.4% prevents bubbling and pellet rupture during extrusion.
- pH: ~9.6, mildly alkaline, compatible with polyolefin carriers.
When dispersion or hydrophobicity is critical, ask for surface-treated (activated) PCC modified with stearic acid. Our SFA-PCC-99 grade, with activation ≥99%, couples better with non-polar polyolefin and lowers mix viscosity at high loadings.
Why Masterbatch Makers Use PCC
Filler masterbatch producers add light calcium carbonate for three reasons: cost, loadability, and process stability.
First, PCC is far cheaper than resin, so it lets you extend expensive polyolefin at 70–85% filler loading while keeping the pellet usable. Second, its fine, regular particles let you reach high loading without destroying melt strength or creating agglomerates. Third, consistent particle size keeps every production batch running at the same throughput.
Typical uses include PE/PP filler masterbatch, non-woven masterbatch, blown film masterbatch, injection molding masterbatch, and cable filling compounds. In each case, particle consistency is what keeps the extruder stable.
How to Choose a PCC Supplier
Not all PCC suits masterbatch. When you evaluate a supplier, check four things:
- Grade consistency—request a recent COA and confirm the same specs ship every lot.
- Mesh control—verify D97 and particle distribution, not just a nominal mesh label.
- Documentation—COA, MSDS, and TDS should be available on request, plus third-party SGS if needed.
- Logistics—confirm FOB port, MOQ (usually 1×20ft container), lead time, and payment terms.
Factory-direct sourcing removes one layer of trading margin and gives you a direct line to the production team when you need a custom surface treatment or a spec tweak for a new carrier resin.
Why Source from Shaofei Trading
Shaofei Trading Co., Ltd. supplies light calcium carbonate (PCC) to masterbatch and filler producers across Southeast Asia. Our main grade, HB-101, is a 1250-mesh PCC with CaCO₃ ≥98%, whiteness ≥94°, oil absorption 60, moisture ≤0.4%, and pH 9.6, manufactured to HG/T 2226-2019. For high-loading or hydrophobic masterbatch, we offer activated SFA-PCC-99 (stearic-acid treated, activation ≥99%).
We ship from Tianjin port in 25 kg bags (3-in-1 resin woven bag, three-layer) with a 20ft container MOQ, T/T 30% deposit, and a 15–20 day lead time. COA, MSDS, TDS, and ISO documentation are provided, and free samples are available for lab testing before you commit to a bulk order.
Conclusion
Sourcing the right light calcium carbonate for masterbatch comes down to mesh control, whiteness, oil absorption, and a supplier who ships consistent lots. If you are a masterbatch producer, plastic compounder, or PCC distributor in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Malaysia, contact us for a quote and samples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mesh size of light calcium carbonate is best for filler masterbatch?
For high-loading PE/PP filler masterbatch, 1250 mesh (D97 ≈ 10.55 μm) gives the best balance of loading capacity, dispersion, and pellet quality. Finer grades raise cost and oil absorption; coarser grades may show specks. We recommend starting with 1250 mesh HB-101 and adjusting after lab trials.
Can you provide COA, MSDS, and TDS for masterbatch-grade PCC?
Yes. Every shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with the actual batch test values, plus MSDS and TDS. Third-party SGS testing can be arranged on request for import clearance or customer audit.
What is your MOQ and lead time for a 20ft container to Vietnam or Indonesia?
Minimum order is 1×20ft container (about 24–25 MT in 25 kg bags). Lead time is 15–20 working days after deposit. We ship FOB Tianjin; CIF to Haiphong is available around US$230/MT.
Do you offer surface-treated PCC for better masterbatch dispersion?
Yes. Our SFA-PCC-99 is stearic-acid modified with activation ≥99%, designed for non-polar polyolefin systems. It improves filler dispersion, lowers mix viscosity at high loading, and reduces moisture pickup versus untreated PCC.