Talc has many natural properties (i.e., Anti caking, Dust prevention, Die lubricant, Dispersing agent, Flow agent, Inert carrier, UV protector etc) which are ideal for improving processing, productivity and the final quality of agricultural products.
Fertilizers
Talc make excellent coating agents preventing caking and dust. Complex and nitrogen / phosphate fertilizers have a natural tendency to cake. Caking can occur during both storage (in bulk or in bags) and transportation. Caked fertilizer cannot be sold and has to be returned to the manufacturer, resulting in a waste of time, materials and money. Talc are used in both powdered and granular fertilizers where they make excellent coating agents which:- prevent fertilizer caking. Talc’s smooth, flat lamellae cover each fertilizer granule, thus helping them to flow freely
- reduce water pick-up. Talc is naturally hydrophobic and forms a barrier around the fertilizer granules which limits water pick-up
- prevent the formation of hydrate crystal bridges allowing products to be stored longer
- Flow agent - Talc is inert and platy. Its smooth and flat lamellae cover each particle helping it to flow freely during fertilizer or feed production. It improves handling and drying, speeding up the packaging process.
- protect against dust. Talc is inert, protecting the fertilizer against physical and chemical reactions which deteriorate granules, generating dust during prolonged storage.
Animal Feed
Talc is inert and hydrophobic in nature.Fruit Protection
Talc is also used for protecting fruit crops (like Pears, Apples, Grapes etc) from UV rays and Sunburn. It reduces surface temperature and prevent moisture loss.Seed Coatings
Talc is ideal for seed coatings due to its natural properties. It reduce abrasiveness and improve seed flow rate. It also reduces over seeding and premature germination of seeds thus increasing seed shelf life.