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Wollastonite
What is Wollastonite?
 Wollastonite is a naturally occurring mineral with many unique characteristics.
Through advanced processing, it has become one of the most versatile functional
fillers in the marketplace. Wollastonite increases the performance of many products
including plastics, paints and coatings, construction materials, friction, ceramic
and metallurgical applications to name a few.
Wollastonite is an industrial mineral comprised chemically of calcium, silicon and
oxygen. Its molecular formula is CaSiO3 and its theoretical composition consists of
48.28% CaO and 51.72% SiO2. Natural wollastonite may contain trace or minor amounts
of various metal ions such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
Wollastonite is rarely found by itself and generally contains other minerals like
calcite, garnet and diopside that are removed during processing.
Optimum performance is created by properly matching the correct coupling agent at
the right concentration level to the polymer system. Overall, the benefits of a
surface modified wollastonite are improved physical properties, improved processing
along with improved dispersion of the resin.
Plastics: In plastics, wollastonite improves the durability of the composite due to
its acicular or needle-like structure. It also enhances electrical insulating properties,
adds fire resistance, and improves dimensional stability. Finer particle size grades
provide improved scratch and impact resistance compared to other materials. The
application of surface treatments like silanes on the wollastonite substrate changes the
mineral from a utilitarian filler to a functional component of a polymer composite. This
in turn adds performance values which the base resin alone does not possess. Optimum
performance is created by properly matching the correct coupling agent at the right
concentration level to the polymer system. Overall, the benefits of a surface modified
wollastonite are improved physical properties, improved processing along with improved
dispersion of the resin.
Construction: Wollastonite has found application as a substitute for asbestos in
fire-resistant building products used in the construction industry. As a functional
additive, wollastonite improves flexural and impact strengths. Its low thermal
conductivity and high aspect ratio structure also makes wollastonite an attractive addition
for applications requiring fire resistance. Wollastonite finds application in interior and
exterior construction boards, roof tiles, shaped insulation products, sheets, panels and
sidings.
Paints and Coatings: In coatings, fine acicular particles act as a good  flattening agent
and allow paint to settle out after application to produce a dry film of uniform thickness,
and the interlocking particles improve toughness and durability of the coating with excellent
tint retention, scrub, and weather resistance. High brightness and whiteness reduce pigment
load and typically very low oil absorption, reduces the volume of binder required and
contributes to reduced pigment costs. As noted earlier, wollastonite can also act as a pH
buffer for improved in-can paint stability over long periods of time. The acicular structure
and alkaline nature of wollastonite also make it an ideal auxiliary pigment in industrial
coatings and primers for improved corrosion resistance.
Metallurgical: In metallurgical applications, wollastonite is used due to its low water
solubility, low loss on ignition and its Ca–Si ratio. Wollastonite is commonly added to
formulated powders for steel casting and welding. A CaO/SiO2 ratio of 1 readily absorbs Al2O3
that is detrimental to finished steels. The addition of wollastonite to metallurgical fluxes
provides ready fusibility, good insulating qualities and low viscosity. Because wollastonite is
a natural, low temperature flux, it has found acceptance in fluxing formulations used in the
continuous casting of steel. When molten steel is poured continuously from a ladle or tundish,
a casting powder is applied to maintain surface defects, prevents oxidation of the steel,
lubricates the mold wall and absorbs harmful inclusions.
 Ceramics: Wollastonite can be used in a variety of ceramic applications including ceramic
glazes and bodies, enamels, frits, fluxes and in sanitaryware. This industrial mineral is a
source of CaO to alkaline glaze formulations to improve the strength of the glaze. Wollastonite
also has a low LOI (< 1%) which gives minimal gas evolution during firing resulting in a smooth
surface with diminished pinholing. Due to its acicular structure, wollastonite improves green
strength and reduces crazing and checking especially during rapid heating and cooling. It has a
low sintering temperature (approximately 991-1196°C) which is comparable to that of most natural
frits.
Friction: Due to its physical structure and non-hazardous properties, wollastonite is used as
a reinforcing additive in many friction applications. It is also a partial/full replacement for
asbestos, milled fibres, chopped glass and synthetic materials. Its primary application is in
semi-metallic and nonasbestos formulations for truck blocks, drum linings, disc pads and friction
paper. Benefits of using wollastonite in a friction formulation include improved physical and
mechanical properties, reduction or elimination of cracking, improved pre-form strength, improved
friction stability, noise reduction and reduced raw material and unit cost (density).
For more information, please contact:
INDUSTRIAL MINERALS ASSOCIATION – NORTH AMERICA
2011 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20006 USA
Tel: 202-457-0200 Fax: 202-457-0287
Web Site: www.ima-na.org
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