1. Concreteis a composite construction material, composed of cement, aggregate (generally a coarse aggregate made from crushed rocks such as limestone, plus a fine aggregate such as sand), and water and chemical admixtures.
2. Construction Limestone aggregates are used in variety of ways in construction projects including drainage & pitching, pipe bedding and foundation footings.
3. Landscaping Decorative limestone aggregates, chippings and grits are used in landscaping projects such as cycling ways and footpaths, driveways and car parks as well as for ground cover in gardens and rockeries.
4. Roadstone Limestone aggregates, chatter and MOT type roadstone have long been used as a fill or base for the construction of roads and roadbed foundations.
1. Flue Gas Desulphurization Limestone is used to neutralize and remove acids (sulphur dioxide) present in the flue gases of power generating facilities, and is used in flue gas desulphurization (FGD) at coal fired power plants and municipal waste-to-energy plants.
2. Glass Manufacture Most commercial glasses consist essentially of silica together with soda (Na2O) and lime (CaO), the lime being partly replaced by magnesia (MgO) depending on the application. Lime is introduced into the glass melt as limestone (CaCO3) and magnesia by adding dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2]
3. Iron Smelting In iron and steel manufacture limestone is used to remove impurities (usually in the form of silica or sand) from the molten iron in the blast furnace to form a substance known as slag, which is easily removed.
1. Agriculture Calcium Carbonate has long been recognized as a useful addition to soil for agriculture, stabilizing the acidity of soil, improving crop yields and minimizing the fertilizer use. Calcium carbonate is also used in mushroom growing in the top-dressing applied to the spawn-run compost on which the mushrooms form.
2. Animal & Pet Feeds GCC is incorporated into animal feedstuffs as a calcium supplement and antacid. High purity limestone, with a low level of acid insoluble compounds, is an essential component of feeds for poultry, pigs and cattle. Poultry require grit in the gizzard to assist with digestion and strengthen shells for proper egg production.
3. Asphalt Filler Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen with sand and aggregate fillers that is used in the construction and repair of roads, car parks, pavements and driveways. Fine ground lime stones (GCCs) are used as a part of the solid aggregate filler mix.
4. Carpet-backing Limestone is important filler for strengthening the latex backing of rugs and carpets. Latex-based carpet backing is the coating on the reverse side of a woven carpet that holds the fibers in place and provides a degree of resiliency and stiffness.
5. Ceramics In low-fire bodies, limestone is sometimes added in small amounts as filler to reduce fired shrinkage. It is also included in porous earthenware body recipes to prevent moisture expansion (causes glazes to craze). Limestone is also used as a flux in ceramic glazes
6. Mining Powdered limestone is used as a dust suppressant in coal mines and helps provide passive fire protection and prevent explosions underground.
7. Pre-Cast Concrete The use of ground calcium carbonate (GCC) can improve concrete density, surface finish, and physical properties and gives a lighter colored concrete suitable for architectural applications. It is increasingly being used in applications, such as precast concrete products (block paving, paving slabs, roof tiles), ready mixed concrete and self-compacting concrete (SCC).
8. Synthetic Floor Tiles Limestone powders are typically used in plasticized PVC and plastisols in applications floor coverings (vinyl flooring, carpet tiles)
9. Water & Waste Treatment Limestone is used in the treatment of waste and drinking water to remineralise excessively soft water (aggressive to pipes) and to adjust the pH of acidic waters in lakes, waterways and reservoirs.
1. Adhesives & Sealants Limestone (GCC) is used as a filler and viscosity control additive in sealants, joint fillers, grouts and ceramic tile adhesives (CTA's). Sometimes GCC can constitute up to 80% of the formulation.
2. Food GCC is used as an inexpensive dietary calcium supplement and antacid. Food grade Calcium carbonate (E170) is added to all brown and white flour products in the UK.
3. Household Products Polishing and cleaning products often use limestone as a mild abrasive or inert binder. Finely ground limestone will not scratch glass, ceramics or steel surfaces.
4. Paper Fine grades of GCC are used extensively in paper manufacturing. Consistent particle sizing and color are essential. As an alkali material it reduces acidity of paper, improving the durability of printed material.
5. Paints GCC is used as functional filler and pigment extender in a variety of coatings including decorative paints, industrial coatings, road-marking paints, protective coatings, textured finishes, plasters and wood finishes.
6. Pharmaceuticals Calcium carbonate is used as inert filler in tablets and as base carrier for veterinary products.
7. Plastics GCC is widely used as functional filler in plastic products, comprising up to 25% of the volume, adding density, improving rheology and reducing cost. GCC is often blended or "coated" with additives such as stearates to aid bonding within the plastic.
8. Rubber GCC is useful as an extender and in controlling the flow properties of products, which are to be molded or extruded.
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