ADDITIVES | MINERAL FILLERS
Magris says its Hyperplate high aspect-ratio, macro-crystalline talcs are produced with a proprietary wet-milling delamination process Source: Magris
In addition, the company’s Hyperplate high
aspect-ratio, macro-crystalline talcs are produced with a proprietary wet-milling delamination process. The high aspect ratio of 100-150, com- pared to conventional talcs with aspect ratios of 30-35, increases stiffness and dimensional stability for applications such as exterior automotive TPOs. These specialty talc products have also been found to improve flame retardant performance and can be used to partially replace other flame retardants, such as MDH or ATH in EVA compounds or intumescent additives in PA66. Lightweighting of plastic compounds remains a significant trend in the use of mineral fillers, particularly in parts for electric vehicles (EVs), added Poulakis. Talcs that improve mechanical properties can allow downgauging of a part, for example, or can provide equivalent properties at lower talc loadings.
Chemical or physical foaming can also be used for lightweighting of various applications. Magris Talc’s surface-treated microlamellar MistroFoam talc acts as a nucleating agent and has been found to create more uniform bubbles than a widely used silica-based additive in an EVA formulation for a shoe midsole, Poulakis reported.
Recycled talc The latest from Magris Talc is the availability of 100% post-industrial recycled talc grades, in which mine-run waste is converted into high purity finished talc that falls within prime-grade specifica- tions. The JetFil M Series, as well as select other grades, are certified by UL Environment (ULE) as pre-consumer (post-industrial) recycled content and bear ULE’s Environment Claim Validation logo. “Magris’ Talc’s Yellowstone Mine in Montana [US]
has an exceptionally high purity, microcrystalline talc deposit, with purity of most of the mine being higher
14 COMPOUNDING WORLD | June 2025
than most imported products. In the past, any ore from our mine with purity less than 98% was consid- ered waste. Now, we are giving that ore – with purity between 95-98% – a second life,” said Poulakis. He said that there is high interest from US customers in the large markets of automotive TPOs, construction materials, and packaging, and that some have started using these grades. The prod- ucts were introduced at Chinaplas last year, and development programs are ongoing with custom- ers in Asia, as well. “Some customers are interested in using the PIR talc grades with recycled plastic to make a 100% recycled compound,” said Poulakis. This post-industrial recyclate is being milled to various sizes and sorted by brightness to create grades suitable for various applications. While brightness will be lower than the original JetFil talcs, mechanical properties in compounds are expected to be similar. Distributor ChemSpec Canada, a member of
Safic Alcan, announced in March this year that it had partnered with Cimbar Performance Minerals, which offers talc products for applications including thermoplastics. The high-lamellarity talcs are engineered for improving appearance, functionality, and processing.
Pyrophyllite and anorthosite Pyrophyllite, an aluminum silicate mineral, has the chemistry of a kaolin and the high aspect ratio of a talc, said Trinity Performance Minerals, which has a pyrophyllite mine in Newfoundland, Canada. The company said that its technology has a low carbon footprint and allows it to have control over perfor- mance properties. The mineral is an alternative to talc and has a high brightness and whiteness. In May 2023, the company received FDA approval for the product used as a filler in the manufacture of PP and PP copolymers for rigid, reusable food- contact containers (except for use in contact with infant formula and human milk). Lumina Sustainable Materials is in the pilot- stage for its new facility in Indiana to process an anorthosite mineral that the company mines anorthosite in Greenland, said Brian Hanrahan, president of the company. The Greenlandic mineral has a unique morphology and chemistry, with a blocky shape like calcium carbonate and a hardness similar to wollastonite. Lumina mills the mineral to a small particle size so that it is not abrasive. The company also has masterbatching capability. A wide range of materials are described as
alternatives to mineral fillers that can also reduce weight. Natural fillers and fibres (eg hemp, wood flour and others), for example, were discussed in the
www.compoundingworld.com
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