What is talc powder?
Talc powder is a naturally occurring magnesium silicate (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2), the softest mineral on the Mohs scale. Learn its composition, why its lamellar structure matters in plastics and coatings, and common grades from 325 to 3000 mesh.
Talc is the softest mineral known (Mohs hardness 1) and a magnesium silicate by chemistry. Those two facts explain almost everything about why it is used as a filler and functional additive.
Composition and form
Talc is hydrous magnesium silicate, Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. It occurs as a layered (lamellar) crystal: weakly bonded sheets that slide past each other. Our talc from the Haicheng belt typically runs SiO2 20–65% with whiteness 70–97%; individual grades are tighter than that.
Because the sheets orient during processing, talc raises flexural modulus, heat deflection temperature and dimensional stability in polymers.
Why it is used
In plastics and masterbatch, talc stiffens parts and resists heat without wearing screws, dies or calender rolls — its Mohs 1 hardness is the reason. In coatings and paints it improves sanding, matting and suspension. In rubbers and cables it is a functional filler.
For the same reason it is chosen where equipment wear is a concern: it is the most process-friendly mineral filler available.
Common grades and how to specify
We grind talc from 325 to 3000 mesh. Specify by mesh (or by micron / D50), whiteness and the application; we will quote the closest standard grade or adjust chemistry to your target. Free samples are available for laboratory evaluation.
Tell us what the talc has to do in your product and we will match the grade rather than hand you a long catalogue.
Related applications
Need a custom specification?
Tell us your target mesh size, whiteness and application. We send samples and a quotation within 24 hours.