Wollastonite
What is Wollastonite?
Wollastonite is a calcium silicate that stands out for its acicular (needle-shaped) structure. In this material the SiO4 (silicate) tetrahedrons are arranged in periodic chains. Calcium ions are in an octahedral environment surrounded by six oxygen atoms. These can be replaced by iron, magnesium or manganese ions.
It is formed when impure limestone is subjected to high temperatures and pressures in the presence of fluids containing silica.
It is a mineral that has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, high resistance to high temperatures (melting point at 1540 ºC) and a density between 2.8 and 3.1 g/cm³.
Available variants
WOLLASTONITE – 605 Material with a granulometry up to 200 µm, with an acicular appearance with a ratio of 20:1. It is a product with a high ratio, so it is used to reinforce functional charges in polymeric compounds or as a substitute for asbestos.
WOLLASTONITE – SC75 Material with a granulometry up to 75 µm. It is an intermediate product between wollastonite-605 and wollastonite-40.
WOLLASTONITE – 40 Material with a granulometry up to 40 µm, with a powdery appearance. It is a low ratio product that is used as fillers in ceramics and metallurgy.
Wollastonite is supplied in different granulometries and aspect ratios, to satisfy consumer requirements.
What is wollastonite used for?
Its needle-like shape allows it to be used to replace asbestos in construction or for reinforcement in thermosealing and thermoplastic polymeric compounds. It is a mineral also used as an additive in paints, ceramics, cements or in the paper industry, to improve mechanical resistance. As it is a bioactive material and offers a high capacity for support and resistance, this mineral is starting to be applied in the manufacture of synthetic bones and other types of prostheses and implants.
Coatings and paints
Wollastonite is used as an additive or filler in paints (due to its antioxidant and anticorrosive properties), in refractory ceramics, and in other types of coatings and linings. It is also used in the manufacture of adhesive and sealant materials and products.
Adhesives, resins and sealants
It is also used in the manufacture of adhesive and sealant materials and products.
Plastic compounds
Wollastonite is used as an additive and reinforcement in the manufacture of certain polymeric compounds such as some types of rubbers, rubbers or silicones.
Soil improvement
Paper
Wollastonite is used in the paper industry to improve mechanical resistance.
Cosmetic and medical
Wollastonite is used in the manufacture of prostheses, implants and synthetic bones, thanks to its high resistance capacity.
Supplies
Wollastonite can be supplied in different particle sizes depending on the type of product desired: 0-200 µm, 0-75 µm or 0-40 µm.
For different applications, one size or another is recommended.
It can be supplied in 25 kg bags (on 1,000 kg pallets) or 1,000 kg big bags.
