Markets
Plastic & Rubber
Limestone produced by Longcliffe brings massive economic and environmental benefits to the whole of the UK. Major polymer-related uses of our fine, limestone powders and PCC (precipitated calcium carbonates) include:
- Carpet-backing
- PVC & plastisols
- Rubber
- Thermosets
Carpet-backing
Ground calcium carbonate (GCC), in the form of limestone, is an important filler for strengthening the latex backing of rugs and carpets. Latex-based carpet backing is the coating on the reverse side of a woven carpet that holds the fibres in place and provides a degree of resiliency and stiffness. The use of Longcliffe GCC gives cost savings by extending the latex emulsion used whilst also adding stiffness to the backing.
PVC compounds and plastisols
PVC is a very versatile polymer and is used in a wide range of applications from cables, flooring and window profiles to packaging, wall coverings and plumbing and drainage systems. Micronised limestone powders are typically used in plasticised PVC and plastisols in applications such as cables, floor coverings (vinyl flooring, carpet tiles) and flexible profile extrusions.
Longcliffe also produces precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) which is used as a highly effective impact modifier, rheology control agent and filler. The main application for PCC fillers are PVC plastisols, such as those used for automotive underseals though it is also used in rigid PVC.
Rubber
Longcliffe calcium carbonates are in a variety of applications ranging from hoses, tyres and extruded profiles through to general rubber moulded articles.
Longcliffe also manufacture a high surface area PCC that is particularly suited to elastomeric compounds that are highly filled with silicas and carbon black. The PCC helps to improve component dispersion, reduce mixing times and improve the consistency of the finished product.
Thermosets
The largest area of the thermoset industry is unsaturated polyesters, which are processed by a wide variety of methods including moulding, laminating and casting to produce items as diverse as automotive parts, septic tanks and reproduction ornamental pieces. Compound manufacturers producing SMC (sheet moulding compound) and DMC (dough moulding compound) are large consumers of fillers.
Major applications of our ground calcium carbonate (GCC) in thermosets include BMC roof slates and tiles, cladding panels for building refurbishment, polymer concrete, water and electrical meter boxes, shower trays and SMC panels for sectional water tanks.
Natural Chemistry...Pure Science
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