Evaluation Of Calcium Carbonate As Filler In The Production Of Middle Polyvinyl Chloride (Pvc) Carpet

摘要

The use of filler in polymer products is as old as the polymer industry itself. Fillers such as ground whiting, clay or barytes are added to cheapen the production cost and improve the properties of the final vulcanized products. In this work, the effect of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) (filler) in the production of middle layer of PVC carpet was considered and evaluated. The Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) filler was characterized in terms of moisture content, size (mesh), density and pH value. Eight formulations were prepared: one formulation each for upper layer and back layer, and six formulations for middle layer. The six formulations consist five containing Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3, 700mesh) filler at loading ranging from 20part per hundred (pphr) to 60part per hundred (pphr), while the last formulation for the middle layer contained carbon black at 60pphr as a control. Compounding was carried out using banbury mixer, mixer rollers and calendaring machine. The product was subjected to various tests including resistance to moisture, solvent, lubricating oil and palm oil. The results showed that CaC03 used was alkaline, with pH value of 9; has density of 0.12g/cm3 and a moisture content of 0.0%. The results also showed that CaCO3 at 30 - 40pphr, the resistance to solvent was better, but decreases as the loading increased from 50 - 60pphr. When compared to unfilled product, the CaCO3 filler proved to be a good semi reinforcement filler compared with carbon black