Abstract
In this study, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was coated by suitable chemicals using aqueous or dry coating methods in the optimum conditions. Uncoated calcium carbonate having a mean particle size (d50) of 1.6 microns and a top cut (d98) of 8 microns was provided commercially and it was dry and wet coated with saturated fatty acids whose carbon numbers vary between 14 and 18. Coating amount was adjusted to 0.5-2%. Particle size and particle size distribution of the calcium carbonates before and after coating were investigated. After characterization of the coated calcium carbonates, they were incorporated into linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) in changing amounts using a twin screw extruder. The effects of coating chemicals, coating conditions and filler amount on composite materials were studied by evaluating the thermal (DSC and TGA) and appearance (Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)) analyses.