Author: skkuadmin

INDUSTRIAL MINERALS FOR HYDROPHOBIC COATINGS

The word “hydrophobic” means tendency to repel or mix with water. Coatings or paints with hydrophobic characteristics are special paints which repel water and provide advantages to coatings surface they are applied to. Hydrophobic coatings provide features like corrosion and water resistance, resistance against chlorite deposition, self-cleaning affect, mirror like surface finish, and abrasion resistance.

Hydrophobic coatings find applications across various sectors and industries like automotive, aerospace, building and construction, marine industries, clothing, Teflon cookware, and the medical field. 

Natural minerals which act as opacifier with nano particulates enhances the properties of hydrophobic and super hydrophobic paints. SKKU MINERALS produces special derived natural mineral silicates that enhances the properties of hydrophobic coatings and enable better hydrophobicity and provides cost benefits against costly pigments.

For more information get in touch with us at info@skkuminerals.com

SPECIALTY NATURAL MINERALS FOR ANTI CORROSION COATINGS

Anti corrosion coatings / barrier protection coatings or protective coatings as we call them provide effective barrier against moisture and oxygen to metal surface from corrosion and rust. These coatings are applied to various surfaces which creates a layer of protection against external environment. They are used in wide applications across interior and exterior paints across many industries.

Anti-corrosion / barrier coatings provide resistance to corrosive chemicals, heat, UV radiations, extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

For producers of anti-corrosion coatings SKKU MINERALS produces speciality mineral products which naturally enhances the life of paint film and improves barrier performance properties.

  • SPECIALTY TALC PRODUCTS:

Naturally enhanced talc products with special morphology have inborn properties to enhance barrier protection. The particles are usually platy but the mineralogical structure and chemical properties provides added advantages for better performance in protective coatings.  SKKU MINERALS produces range of such talc products which reduces the use of anti-corrosion pigments and extenders hence saving costs and improving performance.

  • LEUCOPHYLLITES:  

SKKU MINERALS manufactures specialised ultra platy dense dry ground LEUCOPHYLLITE products in various particle sizes which are ideal products for anti-corrosion and low VOC coatings. Leucophyllite are natural minerals combination of muscovite + quartz + chlorite.

  • BRIGHTOSIL: 

Special platy ultra white silicate products derived from fossilized deposits with a combined structure of platy and round particles provides excellent barrier properties, increased mechanical strength and durability to the coating, making it more resistant to wear and tear. The white colour and ultra fine particle size provided added advantages of matting and Tio2 spacer.  

For more information and details please send us an email to info@skkuminerals.com

Substitute for Talc / Talc Alternatives

Talc powder has been used for a wide range of industrial applications because of its unique properties such as chemical inertness, high melting point, and  softness. However, due to health concerns related to asbestos many industries are looking for alternatives to talc powder for their applications. 

Companies and industries have been experimenting with traditional minerals like Dolomite, Calcium carbonate , kaolin and with regards to the pharmaceutical industry they have replaced talc with corn-starch as the safest alternative to any other natural mineral. But all these products cannot replace or replicate most attributes of talc which are chemical inertness, platiness, neutral colour, softness, hydrophobicity and melting temperatures.  

Looking at the demand from the industries and corporations a deep study into mineralogy has led to finding results with new age minerals from SKKU MINERALS which have smooth texture like talc, lamellar structure , neutral chemical composition, Moh. hardness between 1- 2, good level of whiteness, LOI and hydrophobicity. Most importantly free from asbestos. SKKU MINERALS have developed a range of promising alternative products with varied whiteness, particle size and colour to match the requirements of various industries in accordance with talc.

For more information, please send us an email on info@skkuminerals.com  

SPECIALTY NATURAL MINERAL ADDITIVES FOR ANTI CORROSION COATINGS

THE PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS

Anti corrosion coatings / barrier protection coatings or protective coatings as we call them provide an effective barrier against moisture and oxygen to the metal surface from corrosion and rust. They are used in wide applications across interior and exterior paints across many industries. 

Anti corrosion / barrier coatings provide resistance to corrosive chemicals, heat, UV radiations and extreme temperatures. 

For producers of anti-corrosion coatings SKKU MINERALS produces speciality mineral products which naturally enhances the life of paint film and improves barrier performance properties.

SPECIALTY TALC PRODUCTS:

Naturally enhanced talc products with special morphology have inborn properties to enhance barrier protection. The particles are usually platy but the mineralogical structure and chemical properties provides added advantages for better performance in protective coatings.  SKKU MINERALS produces a range of such talc products which reduces the use of anti-corrosion pigments and extenders hence saving costs and improving performance.

LEUCOPHYLLITES:  

SKKU MINERALS manufactures specialised ultra platy dense dry ground LEUCOPHYLLITE products in various particle sizes which are ideal products for anti-corrosion and low VOC coatings. Leucophyllite is a natural mineral combination of muscovite + quartz + chlorite.

BRIGHTOSIL: 

Special platy ultra white silicate products derived from fossilized deposits with a combined structure of platy and round particles provides excellent barrier properties, increased mechanical strength and durability to the coating, making it more resistant to wear and tear. The white colour and ultra fine particle size provided added advantages of matting and Tio2 spacer.  

For more information and details please send us an email to info@skkuminerals.com 

MICROCRYSTALLINE TALC

On the basis of particle shape talc’s are normally distinguished as macrocrystalline and microcrystalline in nature. The crystalline structure is defined due to its natural geology i.e. the tectonic movements of earth which allows the hydrothermal fluid to penetrate the mother rock, generating permeability that makes reactions inside the rocks mass possible. These pressures determine a minerals platyness and hence low pressure low platyness and high pressure high platyness or lamellarity. A High lamellar talc will have larger platelets and microcrystalline talc will have small platelets. 

Both types of talc have their own unique benefits in various applications. Most commercial deposits of talc are macrocrystalline, whereas deposits of microcrystalline talc are scarce in the world. However, there are few deposits of such type around the world with India being no exception. 

Microcrystalline talc’s have key specially in many paints’ formulations:

  • The structural properties make them ideal for use in environment friendly coatings where beyond the CPVC they offer combination of high opacity and low porosity.
  • Microcrystalline structure enables emission free wall paints with an excellent wet scrub resistance. 
  • In architectural and industrial primers, it provides barrier properties to improve corrosion resistance and stain blocking.
  • Coarser microcrystalline talc’s with lower oil absorption shows good barrier properties in high performance coatings for metal protection. 
  • Micronized microcrystalline talc’s shows high oil absorptions and can be used a flatting agent in semi-gloss top coats.
  • Micronized microcrystalline talc’s can act as Tio2 extenders and provide a better dry hiding power improving formulation costs.
  • Coarse microcrystalline talc’s provide barrier optimizing properties in marine paints as well as low surface areas. 

SKKU MINERALS produces various grades of microcrystalline talc’s ranging from low whiteness to high whiteness and in varied fineness levels for applications in various industries. For more information, please write us at info@skkuminerals.com 

INDIAN TALC MARKETS 

Talc comprises one of the prime key minerals in the category of industrial minerals trade in the country. India stands as one key resource for various grades of talc for domestic consumption as well as exports. India has one of the best and purest of talc deposits in the World. 

The state of Rajasthan in the northwestern part of India is the epicenter of traditional talc trade since the beginning of the Century. The key talc mining areas lie in and around the districts of Udaipur,  Dausa, and Bhilwara where the talc industry lies. 

The Golcha’s from Rajasthan (Associated Soapstone Distribution Co and Golcha minerals) are considered the pioneers in talc mining, processing, and trade. The foundation of the Golcha group was led by Sir Mehtab Chand Golcha. The Golcha’s are the reasons for the development of talc industry In Rajasthan and India. There are more than 400 small and medium industries which work around talc and associated minerals in mining and processing of minerals. 

The state of Rajasthan has various grades of talc composing of Pure Talc, Talc Chlorites to Talc carbonates. The major deposits still comprise of Talc Carbonate. Based on the nature of talc the talc is been processed and grinded in various mills like pulverizes, roller mills, Jet mills into various fineness of powders for use in industries like Ceramics, Paper, Paints and coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Cosmetics., Pharmaceuticals and many more. 

The talc industry is divided into three categories majorly:

  1. Mine owners
  2. Processors/ Manufacturers
  3. Trades/ exporters

The division is based on the specialization and complexity of trade as all activities are treated as separate entity. This division has given a way to development of many industries, traders and associations and hence the nature of business is not monopolistic.  

Talc users:

Primarily the paper industry was the key consumer of the talc powder with bulk consumptions. However, with development of other minerals the use of talc in paper reduced but it still remains as one of the bulk consumers of talc. Even the smallest of paper mills consumes talc not less than 100- 150 MT a month. 

Today paints and coatings industry are a key consumer of talc with Plastics industry as the growth inhibitors. Other major industries are Ceramics, Rubber, Foundry, Refractory, Soaps, Cosmetics, Food and pharma. 

Mining developments:

Talc was once a sought commodity from Rajasthan but the recent developments in mining has led to finding more potent and high-quality white talc resources from the state of Uttrakhand Rajasthan. Last 15 years have seen a up rise in the talc mining from The northern Indian state of Uttrakhand. The quality is incomparable to any commercial white talc resource from Rajasthan or from around the world and Uttarakhand becomes one key player specially for white and pure talc from India. Yes as for talc mining Uttarakhand becomes new Rajasthan with high quality pure talc lumps. The deposits here are huge, pure and sought for high end applications in plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals. 

Though everything looks good but the tough weather situations in Uttarakhand does not leads to fuller development of talc industry. Though there are many small and medium size players who buy talc lumps and grind there. But in reality, the weather and geographic conditions for a fuller development of talc industry does not support and hence most of the talc mined is been traded in various parts of India and also much of high-quality talc is been exported worldwide. 

States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka in the South of India also have talc resources though the quality is mostly mixed, the natural talc’s are mixture of Carbonates. But the availability of talc deposit is a boon to the local industries which used to consume talc coming from Rajasthan in the past which was a costly affair in terms of transportation costs. 

Further there have been news of finding new talc resources in the states of Jharkhand, M.P, Assam, Maharashtra, Orissa but these are into development phase and there is no news concerning commercialization of these resources. 

Also the neighboring Countries like Nepal and Bhutan have subsequent good quality of talc resources but the mining in these Countries have been banned or low due to environmental factors. 

Future of talc:

The future for anything is always uncertain so is in the case of talc but the demand has been rising ever after and also the production of talc is, so there is clear no lack of demand and no lack of supply as well. But geographically the talc markets are more distributed now with development of talc industry around the mining resources.  Rajasthan is still the key producer and distributor of talc but that is all not due to the local mining. It is also due to the inflow of white talc raw materials coming from Haldwani Uttrakhand.

The talc trade from Rajasthan is not the same as it used to be, government policies towards mining also play a major role and mainly mining is dependent on government policies which does not seem stable enough for further mining lease and grant. In recent times there have been no major development in granting new leases or reviving old mining leases or closed mines. 

But recent developments in plastics especially automobile plastics and demand for ultrafine powders have given a way to new developments and newer markets and there will be newer requirements for technical products. 

Exports: 

Despite the demand and supply situation the talc prices remain stable and on a rise. This is also due to the fact considering the demand for raw materials in export markets. Yes, India remains one of the stable economies for supply of conflict free talc lumps for export worldwide. The best quality talc lumps from Uttarakhand are a pricey possession and exported worldwide. Japan remains as a key buyer for the top quality of talc raw material importer from India besides exports to other parts of the world. 

From Asian continent Pakistan and Afghanistan are key exporters of white talc lumps besides China but the materials coming from Afghan and Pak does not 100% qualify as conflict free and some confusion of illicit trade always remains. So, this gives much hope to the buyers for Indian talc which is conflict free and is mined and exported legally from the Country. 

SKKU MINERALS:

SKKU MINERALS stands as independent prominent player in the production and distribution of quality / technical talc and associated minerals. Over the time SKKU MINERALS have developed partnership with various mine owners from Rajasthan and other states for supply of quality talc products. We have dedicated plants for manufacturing of technical talc products for applications ranging in Food, Cosmetics, Pharma and plastics. Also, ultra-fine products have been developed as Tio2 Spacer for reducing the use of Tio2 in various end use formulations. 

For more information get in touch with us info@skkuminerals.com 

IMP: Statistical data’s pertaining to talc have purposefully not been used as they are misleading and incomplete. 

MUSCOVITE (SKKU MICRONIZED MICA)

Muscovite is the most common type of mineral in the family of mica silicates. The muscovite sheets have pearly to vitreous luster/surface. Muscovite sheets are commonly found along with metamorphic, igneous, or even sedimentary formations into patches, clusters, or veins.

The use of muscovite as a multifunctional filler or additive in the various industry is well known. The material derives many uses in industrial as well as specialty applications due to its unique properties which are unmatched by other commonly found minerals. Muscovite has excellent electrical and thermal properties and finds its way into the manufacturing of rubber, plastics, wallpaper, ceramics, paper, plasters, and many more industries. 

SKKU MINERALS produces specialized Dry ground micronized muscovite products for use in various key applications. Muscovites due to their complex platy structure are not easy to grind. Hence SKKU MINERALS has developed unique processes which support the production of commercial micronized muscovite products. Some of the unique characteristics of MUSCOVITE’S FROM SKKU MINERALS are as under:

  • Improved color / Whiteness levels
  • Lower oil absorption or low oil demand
  • Finer particle sizes
  • High Aspect ratio
  • Excellent elasticity
  • High Purity
  • Improved adhesion

Uses and applications:

Paints and Coatings, rubber composites/ gaskets, tyre, welding electrodes, ceramics, joint compounds, thermoplastic polymer materials, automotive plastics, brake lining, foundries, and refractories. 

For more information and a complete range of SKKU MUSCOVITE products please write us at info@skkuminerals.com 

Talc – For Technical Ceramics

Talc mineral has been used in many applications in Ceramic sector mainly in ceramic tiles, bathroom fixtures, pottery, glaze and dinnerware in bulk quantities in powdered form along with other minerals. Talc acts as a catalyst to improve heat resistance, thermal shock resistance and the strength of the end product.

Although talc mineral acts as a cheap ingredient in the ceramic industry, especially for the ceramic body, not all types of talc are suitable for specialized applications in technical ceramics.

Technical ceramics differ from decorative ceramics in terms of optimized properties with regards to heat resistance, mechanical stability and dimensional stability.

SKKU MINERALS produces refined grades of ceramic speciality talc powder with distinct characteristic features desirable for Technical Ceramic applications:

Microcrystalline or granular Structure

Low CaO contents

Low Fe2o3 content

Low Chlorite contents

Lower levels of LOI and shrinkage

High dry brightness and fired brightness

The material is ground to specific particle size for optimal performance.

For more information please write to us at info@skkuminerals.com

Indian Talc Market

Talc comprises as one of the key minerals in the category of industrial minerals traded from the country. India stands as one key resource for various grades of talc for domestic consumption as well as exports. India has one of the best and purest of talc deposits in the world. 

The state of Rajasthan in the northwestern part of India is the epicentre of traditional talc trade since the beginning of the century. The key talc mining areas lie in and around the districts of Udaipur, Jaipur, Dausa and Bhilwara where the talc industry lies. 

There are more than 400 small and medium industries which work around talc and associated minerals in mining and processing of minerals. 

The state of Rajasthan has various grades of talc composing of Pure Talc, Talc Chlorites to Talc carbonates. The major deposits still comprise of Talc Carbonate. Based on the nature of talc the talc is been processed and ground in various mills like pulverizes, roller mills, jet mills into various fineness of powders for use in industries like ceramics, paper, paints and coatings, plastics, rubber, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and many more.

The talc industry is divided into three major categories:

  1. Mine owners
  2. Processors/Manufacturers
  3. Traders/Exporters

The division is based on the specialization and complexity of trade as all activities are treated as a separate entity. This division has given away to the development of many industries, traders and associations and hence the nature of business is not monopolistic.  

Talc users:

Initially, the paper industry was the key consumer of the talc powder with bulk consumptions. Gradually, with the development of other minerals, the use of talc in paper reduced but it still remains as one of the bulk consumers of talc. Even the smallest of paper mills consume talc not less than 100- 150 MT a month. 

Today, paints and coatings industries are the key consumer of talc with the plastic industry as the growth inhibitors. Other major industries are ceramics, rubber, foundry, refractory, soaps, cosmetics, food and pharma.

Mining developments:

Talc was once a sought commodity from Rajasthan but the recent developments in mining have led to finding more potent and high-quality white talc resources from the state of Uttrakhand. Last 15 years have seen an uprise in the talc mining from the northern Indian state of Uttrakhand. The quality is incomparable to any commercial white talc resource from Rajasthan or from around the world and Uttarakhand becomes one key player especially for white and pure talc from India.

As for talc mining, Uttarakhand becomes new Rajasthan with high-quality pure talc lumps. The deposits here are huge, pure and sought for high-end applications in plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals.

Although everything looks good, the tough weather situations in Uttarakhand does not lead to a fuller development of the talc industry. There are many small and medium-sized players who buy talc lumps and grind them there. However, the weather and geographic conditions for a fuller development of the talc industry do not support.

Therefore the talc mined in Uttarakhand is traded in various parts of India and also much of high-quality talc is been exported worldwide.

States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka in the southern part of India also have talc resources though not in the purest form. The natural talc is a mixture of carbonates.

The availability of talc deposit is a boon to the local industries consumes the talc coming from Rajasthan. 

Moreover, there has been news of finding new talc resources in the states of Jharkhand, M.P, Assam, Maharashtra, Orissa but these are into the development phase and there is no news concerning the commercialization of these resources. 

Also, neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan have a subsequent quality of talc resources but mining in these countries have been banned due to environmental factors.

Future of Talc:

The demand for talc has been rising and so is the production. Therefore there is no lack of demand or supply. However, geographically the talc markets are more distributed now with the development of the talc industry around the mining resources.  Rajasthan is still the key producer and distributor of talc because of the inflow of white talc raw materials coming from Haldwani Uttrakhand.

Government policies towards mining also play a major role. In recent times there has been no major development in granting new leases or reviving old mining leases or closed mines. 

But recent developments in plastics, especially automobile plastics and demand for ultrafine powders, have given away to new developments and newer markets and there will be newer requirements for technical products. 

Exports: 

India remains one of the stable economies for the supply of conflict-free talc lumps for export worldwide. The best quality talc lumps from Uttarakhand are a pricey possession and exported worldwide. Japan remains as a key buyer for the top quality of talc raw material importer from India besides exports to other parts of the world. 

From Asian continent, Pakistan and Afghanistan are key exporters of white talc lumps besides China but the materials coming from Afghan and Pak does not 100% qualify as conflict-free and some confusion of illicit trade always remains. So, this gives much hope to the buyers for Indian talc which is conflict-free and is mined and exported legally from the country. 

SKKU MINERALS:

SKKU MINERALS, leading Talc Powder manufacturers, stands as an independent prominent player in the production and distribution of quality/technical talc and associated minerals. Over time, SKKU MINERALS has developed a partnership with various mine owners from Rajasthan and other states for supply of quality talc products. We have dedicated plants for the manufacturing of technical talc products for applications ranging in food, cosmetics, pharma and plastics. Also, ultra-fine products have been developed as Tio2 Spacer for reducing the use of Tio2 in various end-use formulations.

For more information get in touch with us info@skkuminerals.com 

IMP: Statistical data’s pertaining to talc have purposefully not been used as they are misleading and incomplete.

What is Mica Powder and What are its uses?

Mica is a naturally occurring stone mineral with shiny flakes which is its powdered form is known as mica powder. Therefore, mica powder is soft and sparkly like very fine glitter. It is used to give a metallic or shimmery pearl-like effect. Although mica power comes in many colours. It is not optimal for colouring purpose rather it is used to create sparkle or shine.

As an element, mica is optically flat, translucent and elastic in nature. The composition includes silicate, aluminium, potassium, manganese, water and iron. Mica or Muscovite Powder is the most preferred mineral in various manufacturing industries and in other personal applications because it contains the highest amount of silica.

Mica Powder Uses

Mica contains a high amount of silica making the element the most preferred mineral to be used in various industries and also for other personal uses.

The elastic property of mica makes it useful as fillers and extenders. Besides, mica powder also gives uniform smoothness which prevents cracking. 

Mica can be added to grease which would increase its durability and give it a better and smoother surface.

There are a variety of uses of mica such as:

  • Mica powder is used in paints as a pigment extender. It is also used to brighten the tone of coloured pigments
  • Mica is also used for thermal insulation and electrical insulators in electronic equipment the electrical industry
  • The shiny and glittery look of mica powder makes it a common and important ingredient for toothpaste and cosmetics.
  • Mica shields or gauge glass mica can be used to secure the liquid level gauges from corrosive and acidic solutions.
  • Mica mineral is also used in gypsum wallboard combined compound where it acts as wadding and prevents cracking.

Mica in Rajasthan

Mica mineral is produced in vast proportions in the state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is one of the largest producers of metals and minerals like copper, zinc, gypsum, mica etc. The state is also one of the largest suppliers of mica. Mica is Rajasthan is produced as per its demand in the national and international market.

India being the hub of mica production, stringently and easily meets the demand before the deadline.