What are the primary uses of ACC?

November 14, 2023

Activated calcium carbonate (ACC) is a remarkable substance with a wide range of applications across various industries. Derived from naturally occurring calcium carbonate, it undergoes a specific process that enhances its reactivity and surface area. In this blog post, we will delve into the primary uses of this mineral, shedding light on its vital roles in industries such as paper, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and more.

1. Paper Industry

ACC plays a pivotal role in the paper industry. It is widely used as a filler in paper production, enhancing paper quality and reducing production costs. Here's how:

Improving Opacity: It enhances the opacity of paper, making it more suitable for printing, writing, and packaging applications. This results in better print quality and reduced ink bleed-through.
Increasing Brightness: The addition of this material to paper formulations increases its brightness, giving the paper a whiter appearance. This is particularly valuable for producing high-quality documents and publications.

Enhancing Smoothness: Paper containing this compound is smoother, which improves the overall feel and texture of the paper. This is especially beneficial for products like glossy magazines.
Cost-Efficiency: It serves as a cost-effective alternative to other paper fillers, reducing production expenses without compromising quality.

2. Plastics Industry

In the plastics industry, ACC is a trusted additive with several advantages:

Enhancing Mechanical Properties: When added to plastics, it improves their strength, rigidity, and heat resistance. This makes plastics more durable and versatile for various applications.
Reducing Material Costs: It is an economical filler that helps reduce the overall material costs of plastic products. This is especially valuable in industries like automotive manufacturing and construction.
Enhancing Sustainability: The use of this mineral as a filler can contribute to a reduction in the consumption of petroleum-based plastics, thus promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

3. Pharmaceuticals

ACC also finds its way into pharmaceutical formulations:

Excipient in Tablets and Capsules: It is commonly used as an excipient, a non-active ingredient, in tablet and capsule formulations. It aids in the binding of active pharmaceutical ingredients and ensures proper tablet cohesion.
Antacid Tablets: It is used as an active ingredient in antacid tablets, where it helps neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.

4. Food Industry

In the food industry, ACC serves various purposes:

Food Additive (E170): It is used as a food additive, listed as E170, primarily as a white food coloring agent. This is particularly important in the confectionery industry, where it is used to provide a white hue to candies, gums, and other treats.
Anti-Caking Agent: It acts as an anti-caking agent, preventing powdered food products from clumping together. This ensures that products like spices and powdered drinks remain free-flowing and easy to use.

5. Water Treatment

ACC plays a vital role in water treatment processes:

pH Regulation: It is used to adjust the pH levels of water. By adding this mineral, water treatment plants can neutralize acidity and maintain optimal pH conditions for various treatment processes.
Precipitation of Impurities: It aids in the precipitation of impurities in water, particularly heavy metals. This makes it an essential component in the removal of pollutants from industrial wastewater and municipal water supplies.

Conclusion

ACC is a versatile and indispensable substance with a multitude of applications across various industries. From improving paper quality and reducing plastic production costs to aiding in pharmaceutical formulations and water treatment, its impact is widespread and invaluable. Its ability to enhance properties, reduce costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability makes it a staple in numerous sectors. As industries continue to evolve and seek sustainable solutions, it will undoubtedly remain a crucial ingredient in their success stories. Mewar Microns takes pride in offering high-quality ACC to meet the diverse needs of industries, ensuring the reliability and performance of their products.