Mineral fillers such as clays, talc and calcium carbonate are used throughout the rubber and plastics industry. They contribute to cost reductions and offer significant technical advantages including reduced mould shrinkage, better mixing and improved appearance and performance characteristics in end products. In December ‘91 Rapra Technology launched a multi-client project to study the major factors which are likely to affect the future applications of, and markets for, mineral fillers. Upon completion of the project the types of fillers currently used by the rubber and plastics industry will have been identified, together with the technical changes in their production and preparation and trends in compounding technology. Relevant technological developments which could affect the future use of mineral fillers within the polymer industry itself and end-use sectors will also have been examined. The project is due to be completed in June when a final report will be issued at the Client Conference. Although now underway it is still open to subscribers at a cost of f2,250. (Post-completion subscription will be f2,500). For further information contact: Sara H&e, Rapra Technology Limited, Shawbury,Shropshire, SY4 4NR, (UK). Tel: -I-44-939-250383. Fax: +44-939251 I1 8. Telex: 35134
Report on gypsum industry
By-product gypsum from flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) at power plants is becoming increasingly significant as stricter environmental regulations are enforced concerning SO* emissions, according to a new report from market analysis Roskill on the world gypsum industry and its markets. The Economies of Gypsum & Anhydrite 1992 says that production of FGD gypsum is already important in Germany and Japan, where output is around 2.5 million tonnes and 2 million tonnes respectively. The report contains the results of an original 1991 survey conducted by Roskill into the production and uses of phosphogypsum, based on the responses of producers to a detailed questionnaire. Roskill concludes that the output of FGD gypsum in Europe is likely to increase steadily in the early 1990s as more FGD units are fitted at power stations in order to comply with environmental regulations. North America is a significant potential source of FGD gypsum: Roskill expects output to reach 10 to 15 million tonnes during the 1990s.