Omya Uk Targets Pvc Compounders

Omya UK has opened a calcium carbonate plant at its Melton site, on Humberside, which it believes will enable PVC compounders to improve their costings. The facility turns out functional fillers that can be used at appreciably higher levels than materials currently on the market, according to Bill Cardew, sales director for polymers and coatings. Typically, says Cardew, PVC compounds in the window profile industry can accept calcium carbonate rates of around 8%. But the particle size distribution arising from the new equipment means that loadings of up to 15% are feasible and 10% or 12% levels quite straightforward, without compromising strength or gloss values. Flowability and colour retention properties are also excellent, he says.