Filler
Also called: Mineral filler, calcium carbonate, CaCO3, talc, filled plastic
A filler is a mineral or other material, such as calcium carbonate or talc, added to plastic to cut cost or change stiffness and other properties.
A filler is a solid additive, usually a mineral such as calcium carbonate, talc or mica, mixed into plastic to reduce cost, increase stiffness, improve dimensional stability or change surface feel. Fillers are added during compounding or through filler masterbatch. Reinforcements such as glass fibre are a related category that mainly improve strength.
Why it matters when buying recycled plastic
- Filled material is heavier, so you get fewer parts per kilogram. Check density against the unfilled polymer.
- Fillers usually reduce impact strength and elongation, and can make products brittle.
- An ash test is the simplest way to check how much filler is present. Agree a maximum ash level.
- Undeclared filler in material sold as unfilled is a common quality issue; test each new supplier.
Common filled recycled grades
Talc-filled PP for appliances and automotive parts, calcium carbonate filled PP raffia and PE film, and filled PVC for pipes and profiles. Filled grades suit many applications when the filler level is known and consistent.