Talc

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Cat Number

PIE-0354

CAS Number

14807-96-6

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

14807-96-6

Synonyms

Talcum; Agalite; Asbestine; Talc Powder

Molecular Formula

H2Mg3O12Si4

Molecular Weight

379.27

General Description

Talc is a natural mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate and is the softest known natural mineral. Its crystal structure is typically layered or plate-like, a unique microstructure that endows it with excellent lubricity, chemical inertness, a high melting point, and extremely strong adsorption capacity.

Application

Talc's versatility spans multiple sectors:
Pharmaceutical: Talc is used as a glidant and lubricant for tablets because it allows for better powder flow and compressibility.
Cosmetic: Used in powders, foundations, and antiperspirants as it provides a silky feeling.
Industrial: Plastic compounds such as polypropylene are mixed with talc to increase heat resistance and stiffness. It also helps control pitch in papermaking and is used to aid rheology in paints and ceramics.
Food and Agriculture: Used to prevent additives from caking and as a carrier for pesticides.

Researchers explore the relationship between the structural characteristics of pharmaceutical-grade talc and its antisticking performance in tablet production. The researchers characterized different talc samples (obtained via delamination and granulometric classification) by analyzing parameters such as apparent density, morphogranulometry, roughness, and specific surface area (via argon adsorption–desorption). They found that talc’s antisticking power is linked to the maximum basal dimension of its particles and the ratio of external specific surface area (measured by diffractometry) to total specific surface area (BET method), while delamination has little impact on apparent density.

Fig. 1 Diagram of the treatment of talc. (Bizi M, et al. 2003)

References

Bizi M, et al. Relation between structural characteristics of talc and its properties as an antisticking agent in the production of tablets. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2003, 19(5): 373-379.