Talc

Talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate mineral with a chemical composition of Mg3Si4O10(OH2). Talc is green, grey, brown, , white, or colorless. it is translucent with pearly luster. it is the softest known mineral and has a hardness of 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. Similar to the Micas, Talc is a monoclinic mineral with a sheet structure. talc has perfect cleavage ;this features is responsible for Talc's extreme softness its soapy, greasy feel and its value as a high temperature lubricant.

Talc Analysis

Talc in plastics

Talc is mainly used as a filler. the platy shape of Talc particles can increase the stiffness of products such as polypropylene, vinyl, polyethylene, nylon and polyester. Fine grade Talc is used to increase heat and scratch resistance and also reduce shrinkage of plastics. The degree of rigidity depends on the filling level and fineness of the Talc.

Talc in ceramics

Talc is used in manufacturing of ceramic products such as bathroom fixtures, tile, ceramic, pottery ,dinnerware and electrical ceramic applications. when used as a filler in ceramics Talc can improve the thermal shock resistance and increase the mechanical and optical properties of the ceramic as well as the strength of the finished product.

Talc in paint

Powdered Talc is white which makes it a perfect filler and pigment in paint and it serves both to whiten and brighten the paint. most paints are suspension of mineral particles in a liquid. Talc as an extender, increases viscosity of the paint. Subsequently, this facilitates easy and comfortable dispersion of paint.The platy and layered structure of Talc reinforces paint films by preventing sagging and improving adhesion. This, in turn, prevents cracking and peeling of the paint from walls. Considering that Talc is both opaque as well as high in brightness, it covers up any spots and also because of its soft and chemically inert nature, Talc contributes minimal abrasion to the vessels and the applicator.

Talc in papers

most papers are made from a part of organic fibres .these pulp is made from wood rags and other organic materials. finely ground mineral is added to the pulp to serve as a filler. when the pulp is rolled into thin sheets the mineral matter fills spaces between the pulp fibers and as the talc has flat-like particles it improves the paper smoothness .Talc as filler can improve the opacity brightness and whiteness of the paper .Talc also can improve the papers ability to absorb ink, enhance the printability of the paper as well as reducing paper surface friction. Talc is used as a pitch control agent; it absorbs impurities from the process such as pitch and resin particles.

Other uses of Talc

Talc is used in other industries such as electric cables, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetic and… . Ground Talc is used as a lubricant in applications where high temperature are involved .Talc powder is used as a carrier for insecticide and fungicide. it can easily be blown through a nozzle and readily sticks to the leaves and stems of plants its softness reduce wear on application equipment.
  • Color: green, white, grey, brown ,colorless.
  • Streak :white to pale green
  • luster :pearly
  • Diaphaneity: translucent
  • Mohs hardness: 1
  • Specific gravity: 2.7 to 2.8
  • Diagnostic properties :feel, color, softness ,cleavage
  • Crystal system: Monoclinic