SURFACE-MODIFIED PRECIPITATED CALCIUM CARBONATES AT A HIGH-DEGREE OF DISPERSION

Calcium carbonates of different degrees of surface hydrophobicity were obtained when sorbic acid or polyoxyethylene glycol were present during the precipitation. In the presence of trace amounts of divalent cations carbonates with high surface hydrophilicity and improved monodisperse character are obtained. Surface modification of the calcium carbonates by several proadhesive compounds can markedly improve the chemical affinity of the carbonates to polymers. Very effective are isostearoyl titanate and two polyoxyethylene compounds. Precipitated calcium carbonates modified with 2 to 3 percent (wt/wt) of isostearoyl titanate increased the tensile strength of butadiene-styrene rubber by approximately 100%. Polyurethane is only strengthened when 30 wt/wt of a filler are introduced independently of the type proadhesive compounds. The best strength and hysteresis of polyurethanes are obtained with calcium carbonate modified with 2 percent (wt/wt) of polyoxyethylene glycol.