Paints

Talc is one of the most demanded minerals in the paint and varnish industry. Owing to the plate-like structure of its particles, softness, whiteness, organophilicity and hydrophobicity, high thermal resistance and chemical inertness, talc is traditionally included in formulations of various coatings, and first of all – alkyd and water-dispersible materials.

Talc is used in manufacturing colour pastes, finishing anf decorative putties, primers, organic- and water-based paints and enamels. Talc (especially micro-talc) is compatible with acrylic, alkyd, polyether, epoxy, and urethane binders, helps save white pigments, improves coating’s UV resistance, and contributes to additional ‘barrier’ protection from gas diffusion and water steams, etc.

Talc particles impart strength to the paint and increase its spreading capacity, forming a smooth coating. These characteristics explain its widespread use in repair paints, industrial and protective coatings. For many years, talc has remained one of the most used fillers, while being acceptable in price.

Nevertheless, with stricter requirements for the content of volatile components, there has been a shift towards production of dry and water-based paints in which the proportion of talc in the composition has been reduced. This trend strongly affects the prospects for the use of talc in the paint and varnish industry; still, the situation may change with the introduction of new types of polymer-based paints in which the share of mineral fillers, including talc, can be justified by specific requirements for technological, operational, and consumer properties.