This work presents the experimental results for precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) synthesis over a ground calcium carbonate (GCC) substrate. The parameters [Ca]/[CO3]T initial ratio, aqueous synthesis solution temperature, pH and coagulant concentration (EDTA) were investigated. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), total carbon (TOC), specific surface area (BET method), particle size distribution and visible light reflectance (to measure the brightness of the samples). The results were compared with values from standard samples used in the paper industry. According to the experimental results, it was noted that an increase in the EDTA amount added to the pulp favored PCC homo-coagulation and also increased the size of the coagulum. PCC tends to homo-coagulate between pH 10 and 11, while it tends to precipitate over GCC particles between pH 8 and 9. A decreasing of the material density was also observed. Values found for specific surface area can be considered acceptable by paper and plastics industries.
Calcium carbonate; synthesis; precipitation
