Product

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) is a manufactured form of CaCO₃ produced by a controlled chemical precipitation process, in which quicklime (CaO) is first slaked with water to form milk of lime Ca(OH)₂, which is then carbonated with CO₂ gas to precipitate ultra-pure calcium carbonate crystals. Unlike GCC, PCC is a synthetically engineered product whose crystal form (calcite, aragonite, or vaterite), particle morphology, size, and surface area can be precisely controlled by adjusting temperature, CO₂ concentration, and reaction time during precipitation. This makes PCC the highest-purity, most performance-consistent grade of calcium carbonate available commercially.

Production Process

The carbonation route proceeds in two steps:​

Temperature control during precipitation determines crystal polymorph: calcite forms below 85°C, aragonite above 85°C, and vaterite at ~60°C.​

Physical & Chemical Properties

Key Differentiators vs. GCC

Applications

PCC's superior purity, controlled morphology, and fine particle size make it the preferred grade for demanding applications:

• Paper — internal filler and surface coating for high-brightness, high-opacity grades
• Plastics and polymers — reinforcing filler in PVC, polyolefins, and engineering plastics
• Elastomers and rubber — semi-reinforcing filler in natural and synthetic rubber
• Sealants and adhesives — rheology modifier and reinforcing agent
• Pharmaceuticals — antacid active ingredient, calcium supplement (USP/BP grade)
• Food — E170 food additive; calcium fortification in beverages and dairy
• Cosmetics — mild abrasive in toothpaste, filler in skincare formulations
• Paints — high-opacity extender in architectural and industrial coatings​

References

1. ATAMAN CHEMICALS. Calcium Carbonate (Accessed Mar 12, 2026)
2. ATAMAN CHEMICALS. Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (Accessed Mar 12, 2026)
3. Calcinor. (Dec 15, 2020). Precipitated calcium carbonate PCC
4. Wikipedia. Calcium carbonate (Page version: Feb 20, 2026)