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Among many choices of plastic fillers, how to figure out the best filler for your plastic? In fact, each type of plastic filler suits best specific resins, which means plastic firms need to consider some factors such as the end-products mechanical properties, purpose, and production cost,...before choosing the most appropriate plastic fillers.

As plastic fillers are deemed the most effective solution to cut production costs, their use of them has remarkably increased year by year. However, due to the large number of plastic fillers that are available, many plastic firms struggle with hammering out the right one for their products, especially when many plastic fillers share some characteristics like brightness, flexibility, and reasonable price,...So, what is the best filler for plastic, and what factors exactly should be put into consideration before any decisions on plastic fillers be made? 

1. The best filler for the plastic industry

1.1. Calcium carbonate filler

There is no denying that the most popular plastic is filler calcium carbonate. In nature, this material exists in the form of limestone in large quantities. It is also the main component of many marine mammals such as seashells, eggshells, snail shells, and pearls. 

One of the most essential applications of calcium carbonate is filler masterbatch thus it accounts for up to 75% of the total quantity. As calcium carbonate is able to match with most common types of plastic resins such as PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene), PS ( Polystyrene),..., it is widely used to create a wide variety of filler masterbatches. The characteristics and functions of each type of filler masterbatch mostly depend on plastic resins. And it is the result of the combination of plastic resins and other specific additives.

So, what makes calcium carbonate the best filler for the plastic industry?
- Reasonable price: as input material expense takes up nearly half of plastic products, it is extremely vital to have a reasonable source of raw materials. As such, compared to primary plastic which largely depends on the global market as its production connects closely with natural gas and oil, calcium carbonate filler is much cheaper and less uncertain, thus improving the cost-effectiveness and the stability of input materials.
- Mechanical properties enhancement: calcium carbonate filler is the key factor in boosting rigidity, and flexibility as well as reducing shrinkage rate.

1.2. Talc filler

Another filler for plastic is Talc (the name derives from Medieval Latin talcum). Talc is the softest mineral in the market. It has a wonderful resistance to heat, electricity, and acids thus being widely applied in many industries such as plastic, paint and coatings, rubber, food, electric cable, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics,...

1.3. Kaolin

Kaolin is another type of clay mineral which is commonly seen in China. This material is mainly used in plastics as it has an excellent anti-blocking capacity as well as an infrared absorber in laser marking. Furthermore, Kaolin can significantly increase the abrasion resistance and replace carbon black as a filler material.

1.4. Barium sulfate filler

It would be such a pity if the best filler for plastic list missed barium sulfate. This is an inorganic compound that is odorless and insoluble in water. It is commonly used as a plastic filler to increase the density of the polymer in vibrational mass damping applications as well as boost the transparency of plastic bags. However, a disadvantage of barium sulfate filler is the low level of transparency and the high price. If customers require a high level of transparency, they must sort to a large amount of barium sulfate filler, which means it is much more costly compared to other plastic fillers.

1.5. Glass

Glass fibers are one of the most well-known forms of glass filler. With excellent transparency, consistent shaping ability, compressive resistance, and superior thermal stability, glass fiber is widely applied in many fields, especially in the automotive industry and household appliance production. However, the disadvantages of having glass in plastic products are low surface quality, very viscous when melted, low weldability, and warpage.

1.6. Sodium sulfate filler

Sodium sulfate (also known as sodium sulfate or sulfate of soda) is a type of inorganic compound with the formula Na2SO4. This material is white, non-toxic, odorless, tasteless, and highly soluble in water. One outstanding advantage of sodium sulfate is its transparency (more clear than calcium carbonate) and its reasonable price (cheaper than barium sulfate). Therefore, sodium sulfate is widely used as an effective plastic filler.

2. What should be considered to choose the best filler for plastic?

To find out the best filler for your products, plastic firms should bear in mind these followings:

• End-products standard requirements: the mechanic characteristics of end-products must be the first priority before you look for a plastic filler. As different fillers have distinctive properties and functions, thus you have to be completely clear about your purposes (cost reduction, properties enhancement,...).
• Price: luckily, most plastic fillers are at a reasonable price compared to primary plastic. However, the final price normally fluctuates slightly as a result of delivery cost, input material expense,...which makes plastic firms consider carefully to successfully choose the right ones.
• Delivery and guarantee: as all orders of plastic filler usually come at a large quantity and be made several times during a long period, which may lead to the unexpected, you need to make sure your supplier’s guarantee’s policy can meet your requirements.

3. EuroPlas - Top 5 filler masterbatch manufacturer in the world

Over 13 years in the plastic industry, EuP deeply understands what customers need and thereby, proudly provides them with the highest-quality filler masterbatch. 

Our most popular products including:

• PP filler masterbatch: the combination of PP resin, high-quality CaCO3 and additives.
• PE filler masterbatch: is produced with PE resin, high-quality CaCO3 and additives. 
• PS filler masterbatch: the mixture of PS resin, CaCO3 and other additives. 
• BiOMates: includes bio plastic, CaCO3 and other additives. 

For further information and samples, please contact us!