Calcium carbonate is defined as carbonic salt of calcium characterized by the chemical formula CaCO3. The compound is identified to be colorless, odorless, and tasteless crystalline compound, obtained naturally from limestone rock or can be manufactured by decomposing limestone to calcium oxide followed by the process of subsequent re-carbonization. Further, the compound possesses pH of above 6 and is extensively deployed in several commercial and industrial application bases. The demand for calcium carbonate is rising across adhesives & sealants, animal & pet feeds, construction, fertilizers, glass & ceramics, paint & surface coating, paper filler & coating pigments and plastics and rubber & elastomers.
WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS OF CALCIUM CARBONATE MICROPARTICLES AND NANOPARTICLES TO CREATE LUCRATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MANUFACTURERS TO BOOST ITS DEMAND IN THE GLOBAL MARKET
In recent years, there has been significant research for exploring the methods of synthesizing nano and micro-sized calcium carbonate particles having specific sizes, polymorphs, and morphologies. These non-toxic particles feature high porosity, high surface area to volume ratio, and biocompatibility. The increasingly high demand for nano-calcium-carbonate particles in chemical, biological, and industrial applications is expected to drive the global calcium carbonate market growth in the coming years. Various paper-based objects are subject to natural deterioration due to presence of internal and external factors such as presence of humidity as well as exposure to pollutants, light, and high temperatures, etc. This issue can be overcome with the use of nano-calcium carbonate in paper production as it improves deacidification by penetration into the bulk of the paper. Macro-calcium-carbonate finds applications in building the skeletons of hardened cementitious composites to provide strength. Calcium carbonate-reinforced polypropylene is a homopolymer polypropylene resin, and fine calcium carbonate particles are used to reinforce it. The resin is mainly used in electrical components, automotive industry, housewares, and various utility products. Thus, surging demand for innovative products derived from calcium carbonate particles would propel the calcium carbonate market growth in the coming years.
Some of the major key players operating in the global calcium carbonate market include Cerne Calcium Company; GCCP Resources LTD; J M Huber Corporation; Imerys S.A.; Lafargeholcim; Minerals Technologies Inc.; Mississippi Lime Company; Okutama Kogyo Co.,Ltd; Omya AG and SCHAEFER KALK GMBH & CO. KG among many others. The major players in the calcium carbonate market are focused on strategies such as mergers and acquisitions and research and development to increase the geographical presence and consumer base globally. In 2021, Huber Engineered Materials (HEM) through its subsidiary, J.M. Huber Micropowders Inc., acquired the Nutri Granulations business assets of IMCD US, LLC in La Mirada, California. Nutri Granulations produces granular calcium carbonate and blends consisting of granulated calcium carbonate and vitamins, which are used in the manufacturing of dietary supplements and food.
