Minerals applications

Omya Magprill granules

Omya Magprill is a granulated soil conditioner made from finely ground calcium carbonate and dolomite. The high surface area created by the micronized particles allows a fast reaction when applied to acid soils. Omya Magprill corrects soil pH, improves soil structure, and provides essential minerals to the growing crop.

Perlite mortar hole

Perlite is a natural material made from volcanic rock. When heated, it creates a lighweight, porous granule which is used in construction materials such as mortar to reduce weight, lower carbon footprint, and provide insulation. This image shows a hole in perlite mortar, demonstrating the reduction in density created by using our Omyasphere perlite products.

Paint rheology

The rheology of paint determines its viscosity, stability in storage, and application characteristics, all of which affect the appearance of the dried paint. The use of rheological modifiers ensures even pigment concentration and helps maintain consistent film build during application. Omya offers a full range of rheology modifiers for paint formulation.

Coccolith

Coccoliths are microscopic particles of calcite (calcium carbonate) produced by single celled marine phytoplanktons called coccolithophores. They accumulated on the ocean floor for millennia, eventually becoming chalk. This highly magnified image of a single coccolith shows an example of the intricate patterns that can be found.

Sustainable paints

Calcium carbonate is widely used in paints and coatings to improve sustainability and formulation performance. Omya’s ChameleoBoost technology enables the partial substitution of titanium dioxide, whilst Omyamatt and Omyasmart are used to replace hazardous materials. We also offer fully recycled Omyacycle for improved insulation and weight reduction.

Hollow glass microsphere

Hollow glass microspheres are derived from soda lime borosilicate glass. They are chemically inert and water-resistant. Spherical and hermetic, they have low density, high compressive strength and high brightness. Omyasphere 900 hollow glass microspheres are engineered to meet the lightweighting requirements of the polymer industry, offering outstanding strength-to-weight ratio.

Breathable film

Calcium carbonate is used to improve the breathability of films used in personal care items such as diapers. This image shows the pores created by functional calcium carbonate, which allow water vapour to pass through the film whilst remaining impermeable to moisture. Omyafilm is a cost effective solution for moisture management where breathability is crucial for comfort.

Modified calcium carbonate golf balls

Calcium carbonate has a crystalline structure which can be modified to give the mineral different properties. This image shows the effect of surface-treating calcium carbonate to reduce moisture uptake. Modified calcium carbonate offers specific properties such as particle size, pore size and surface to improve processing and performance of polymers.

Paper coating

This highly magnified image shows a cross section of coated paper, with a double coating on top and a single coating underneath. Calcium carbonate is used for paper coating to improve brightness, gloss, and ink coverage. Coatings such as Omya Aqurate can also be used to replace expensive and unsustainable white fibers, significantly reducing material costs and enabling lightweighting without affecting print performance.

Modified calcium carbonate roses

This is another example of the surface treatment of calcium carbonate to achieve different properties such as pore and particle size. Omya provides modified calcium carbonates to the polymer and paints and coatings industries to improve performance, processing, and cost.