The chemical sector calls on the expertise of Carmeuse for the raw materials that are essential to:
- produce sodium carbonate; calcium salts
- make numerous organic products such as propylene oxide or glycerine;
- calcium carbide, which is used to produce acetylene;
- produce glues and gelatines in a traditional way from abattoir waste;
- to tan skins;
- condition drilling sludge in petrochemistry
- and so many others
Carpets, rubber and plastics
Limestone is an important filler for strengthening the latex back of rugs and carpets.
The rubber industry also uses calcium carbonate (as a filler), quicklime (dehydrating agent) and hydrated lime (accelerating agent for the vulcanisation process).
Micronised calcium carbonate is used as a slightly abrasive element and as a filler in many types of plastics.