Abstract: A product and a process for the preparation of discrete calcium carbonate particles that result from preparing an aqueous calcium carbonate slurry containing carbohydrates, carbonating the aqueous calcium carbonate slurry while maintaining the selected starting carbonation temperature. The product of the present invention is discrete particles of calcium carbonate which are especially useful in paints, plastics, paper coating, paper filling, and because of the purity level of the calcium carbonate particle may be used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food applications.

Abstract: This invention concerns a mixture of a first component selected from talcs and one or more second component(s) selected from diatomaceous earth, natural and synthetic silica, clay, ceramic spheres, volcanic ash and glass cullet wherein the ratio of the component to the second component(s) provides an enhanced abrasiveness property, an enhanced die pressure character, and a reduced melt fracture character. The invention further relates to an antiblock agent made from such mixture that significantly reduces or eliminates the need to provide polymer processing additives. This invention also relates to a masterbatch composition having an admixture such that enhanced die pressure character and/or reduced melt fracture character are obtained.

Abstract: A process for the precipitation of discrete prismatic calcium carbonate particles by carbonation of aqueous calcium hydroxide containing a saccharide or polysaccharide or a saccaride or polysaccharide and a metal ion at temperatures of from about 8.degree. C. to about 64.degree. C. is disclosed. The resulting product has specific surface areas between about 10 m.sup.2 /g and about 120 m.sup.2 /g and is useful in paints, plastics, paper coating, paper filling, and pharmaceutical applications.