Key Benefits of GCC in Construction & Building Materials

Particle size distribution: The particle size distribution of GCC is crucial for its performance in construction materials. Fine particles (typically less than 1 micron) are preferred for applications requiring smooth surface finishes and high opacity. Coarser particles (up to 10 microns) are used in applications where cost reduction and improved mechanical properties are prioritized. The optimal particle size distribution ensures uniform dispersion within the material matrix, enhancing the overall properties of the construction product.

Surface treatment types: Surface treatment of GCC is essential to improve its compatibility with construction materials. Common treatments include stearic acid coating, which enhances the hydrophobicity of GCC, improving its dispersion in non-polar systems. Silane coupling agents are also used to enhance the bonding between GCC and the material matrix, resulting in improved mechanical properties and durability. Proper surface treatment ensures better adhesion, reduced moisture absorption, and enhanced processing stability.

• Increases strength and durability while improving workability.

• Reduces shrinkage and micro-cracking, ensuring structural integrity.

• Best GCC Grades: 2 μm, 5 μm, as these grades enhance cement hydration and mechanical performance.

• Enhances smoothness and spreadability, improving application quality.

• Reduces shrinkage and cracking, ensuring a uniform surface.

• Best GCC Grades: 3 μm, 5 μm, as they improve workability and surface finish.

• Improves flowability and setting behavior, ensuring even leveling.

• Enhances strength and dimensional stability, reducing surface defects.

• Best GCC Grades: 3 μm, 5 μm, as they help maintain smooth consistency and workability.

• Enhances adhesion strength and reduces drying time.

• Prevents shrinkage and increases flexibility in bonding layers.

• Best GCC Grades: 2 μm, 3 μm, as they provide optimal bonding and adhesion control.

• Improves mechanical strength and weather resistance in fiber cement sheets.

• Reduces water absorption, increasing durability in roofing materials.

• Best GCC Grades: 5 μm, 10 μm, as they contribute to reinforcement and long-term durability.

Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) plays a vital, cost-effective and indispensable role in the improvement of fibre-based packaging, paperboard, flexible packaging and graphic papers: 

In fibre-based packaging such as cartons, folding cartons, corrugated packaging, Cemix GCC improves stiffness, printability and sustainability while optimising production costs.

• Higher bulk & stiffness: 3-5 μm GCC increases the stiffness and strength of paper-based packaging while allowing for lighter constructions.
• This helps you save raw material costs by reducing reliance on expensive fibre content.
• Improved printability: 1-2 μm GCC provides a smoother surface for printing, resulting in sharper images and better ink adhesion.
• This helps to improve oil and moisture resistance in certain coated applications.

On paperboards such as folding cartons, liquid packaging and food boxes, Cemix GCC improves strength, coating efficiency and visual appeal for high quality packaging solutions.

• Higher Opacity & Whiteness: Our GCC improves the visual appearance of packaging while ensuring colour consistency. Our 1-2 μm GCC acts as a coating pigment, providing better coating efficiency by reducing ink absorption and improving print clarity.
• Barrier Functionality: Used in coated paperboard such as food cartons, coffee-to-go cups, etc., our GCC improves resistance to grease, water and oxygen, which is critical for food packaging.

On flexible packaging & specialty papers such as labels, wrapping paper, laminates, GCC improves the flexibility, coating properties and printing performance in specialty paper applications.

• Optimised coating layers: 1-2 μm GCC helps control gloss, texture and ink holdout in label and flexible packaging applications.
• Lightweighting & Strengthening: GCC in 2-3 μm grades enable thinner materials with improved mechanical properties, reducing material consumption.

On graphic papers used for printing, magazines and high quality print media, our GCC optimises brightness, print quality and surface smoothness, making them truly premium paper products.

• High Brightness & Opacity: GCC maximises light scattering to improve paper whiteness and reduce ink transparency. GCC replaces expensive TiO₂ in premium papers, reducing overall formulation costs.
• Improved print definition: GCC reduces ink absorption, resulting in crisp, high-resolution images in magazines and fine print media.
• Smoother Surface: GCC helps create a smooth, even surface, reducing paper dusting and ink bleed in high-speed printing.