Nucleation

Talcs are an effective way to increase the crystallization temperature of polymers and support nucleation.

Master nucleation in semi-crystalline polymers 

If you’re working with semi-crystalline polymers such as polypropylene, polyamides, polyesters, POM, PET and PBT, our talc products* can act as effective nucleation additives. 

Talc nucleation modifies the morphology of crystalline polymers by increasing the number of nuclei in the polymer melt and reducing the size of crystallites formed in the final nucleated products. This increases flexural modulus and heat deflection temperature and can improve impact resistance at low talc loading levels.

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Talc crystalline structure provides a unique surface for nucleation of polymers
Talc crystalline structure provides a unique surface for nucleation of polymers

It also increases the crystallization temperature of polymers, which could reduce cycle time in injection molding and increase throughput of thermoforming and other polymer processes.

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Talc increases the number of nuclei in the polymer melt. Example in PP
Talc increases the number of nuclei in the polymer melt. Example in PP

In polypropylene, our talcs allow crystallization to start earlier when the plastic solidifies from a molten state. This results in a higher crystallization temperature, which can increase throughput of industrial polymer processes, for example by reducing injection molding cycle times.

Talc increases the crystallization temperature of Polyamide 6, allowing the melt to solidify faster and reducing injection molding cycle times. And in biopolymers, talcs will speed up crystallization, increase stiffness, reduce brittleness and improve barrier properties while reducing formulation costs.

Used in biopolymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Imerys talcs:

  • Speed up crystallization
  • Improve HDT
  • Increase stiffness
  • Improve dimensional stability in terms of shrinkage and thermal expansion
  • Reduce brittleness
  • Improve barrier properties
  • Reduce molding times
  • Reduce formulation costs 

*Talc products are not available in the USA and Canada. Contact us for an alternative range.