Chemical laboratory

Talc Powder

High-Purity Mineral Filler for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 14807-96-6
  • Formula Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
  • Flash Pt N/A (non-flammable) °C
  • Density 2.58 - 2.83 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point N/A (decomposes) °C
Flash point N/A (non-flammable) °C
Density 2.58 - 2.83 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Insoluble in water -
Ph 8.0 - 9.5 (10% slurry) -
Molecular weight 379.27 g/mol g/mol
Melting point N/A °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White to grayish-white powder -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Talc powder (CAS 14807-96-6) is a naturally occurring hydrated magnesium silicate mineral with the chemical formula Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂. This white to grayish-white, odorless powder is prized for its unique combination of chemical inertness, thermal stability, and excellent lubricating properties. With a density ranging from 2.58 to 2.83 g/cm³ and complete insolubility in water, talc serves as an essential industrial mineral across numerous manufacturing sectors.

Key Applications

Talc powder functions as a versatile filler in plastics manufacturing, where it improves dimensional stability, reduces shrinkage, and enhances heat resistance in polymer compounds. In the paints and coatings industry, it acts as an extender pigment that improves opacity, reduces cost, and enhances application properties. The paper industry utilizes talc as both a coating agent and filler to improve printability, opacity, and smoothness of paper products. Additional applications include use as a pharmaceutical excipient in tablet formulations, a lubricant in industrial processes, and a key ingredient in cosmetic formulations where its absorbent properties are highly valued.

Safety & Handling

Talc powder is non-flammable with no flash point, making it inherently safe from fire hazards. However, proper handling procedures are essential to prevent inhalation of fine particles. Workers should use appropriate respiratory protection including NIOSH-approved dust masks or respirators when handling bulk quantities. Eye protection and gloves are recommended to prevent irritation. Adequate ventilation systems should be in place to minimize airborne dust concentrations. While talc has a relatively neutral pH of 8.0-9.5 in slurry form, standard industrial hygiene practices should always be followed.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store talc powder in dry, well-ventilated areas away from moisture to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing properties. Use sealed containers or bags to protect from humidity and contamination. The product should be kept at ambient temperatures and protected from direct sunlight. Talc powder has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly, as it does not decompose under normal storage conditions. Avoid storage near incompatible materials, though talc is generally chemically inert and poses minimal compatibility concerns with most substances.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable Talc Powder with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for medium orders, and FTL for bulk shipments. Every order includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation to ensure compliance and quality assurance. Our technical support team provides expert guidance on product selection and application requirements to meet your specific industrial needs.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is talc powder (CAS 14807-96-6) and what is it used for?
Talc powder is a naturally occurring hydrous magnesium silicate (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) sold as a fine, white to off‑white powder used primarily as a functional filler, lubricant and anti‑caking agent in industrial applications and laboratory formulations. Typical uses include fillers in plastics, rubber, paints and coatings, ceramics, paper and as a flow aid or carrier in lab reagents and material testing.
How should talc powder be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store talc in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area in tightly sealed, labeled containers to prevent moisture uptake and contamination; keep away from strong acids and incompatibles. Uncontaminated talc is essentially stable and can be stored indefinitely, though coated or surface‑treated grades are typically recommended to be used within 12–36 months for best performance.
What safety and handling precautions are recommended for talc powder?
Avoid inhalation of dust by using local exhaust ventilation, dust collection (HEPA), and respiratory protection (e.g., N95/FFP2 or better for high exposures); use gloves and eye protection to prevent skin and eye contact. Follow the product SDS for exposure limits, spill cleanup by wet methods or HEPA vacuuming, and comply with local occupational exposure regulations—talc is not flammable but airborne dust may pose breathing hazards.
How do different talc concentrations or grades vary and how do I choose one?
Talc grades vary by mineralogical purity, particle size distribution (D50 from ~1–20 µm), brightness/whiteness, oil absorption, and surface treatment (e.g., hydrophobic coatings); some grades emphasize high Mg‑silicate purity while others prioritize fine particle size or surface chemistry. Choose a grade based on application requirements such as filler loading, rheology, optical properties, thermal stability and regulatory specifications.
What product documentation is available for talc powder?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) with assay and key physical data, Technical Data Sheet (TDS), particle size distribution, XRD/mineralogical analysis, heavy metal testing and an asbestos‑free declaration when applicable. Request specific test reports (e.g., Pb, As, loss on ignition, whiteness) for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
How is talc powder shipped and what packaging options are available?
Talc is generally not classified as a hazardous material for transport, but local regulations and dust control rules should be checked; transport requires measures to prevent dust release. Common packaging includes multi‑wall paper bags (25 kg), FIBCs/supersacks (500–1,200 kg), lined drums or bulk tanker loads, with moisture‑resistant liners available for moisture‑sensitive grades.
What materials is talc compatible or incompatible with?
Talc is chemically inert with most organic polymers and water at ambient conditions, making it widely compatible as a filler and lubricant in plastics, rubber and paints. Avoid contact with strong mineral acids (notably hydrofluoric acid) which attack silicates, and evaluate compatibility with reactive oxidizers or specialty chemistries in your process.
What are the typical technical specifications for industrial talc powder?
Typical specifications include CAS 14807‑96‑6, formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2, apparent bulk density ~300–1,100 kg/m3, true density ~2.6–2.8 g/cm3, Mohs hardness ~1, particle size D50 commonly 1–20 µm, oil absorption and brightness/whiteness values per grade. Exact values vary by supplier and grade, so consult the COA/TDS for batch‑specific data.
Which industries and laboratory uses commonly employ talc powder?
Industries using talc include plastics and polymer compounding, rubber, paints and coatings, ceramics, paper, adhesives and sealants, and battery/seal applications; in laboratories it is used as a reference mineral, filler in formulations and in materials testing. Its role is typically as a functional mineral additive (filler, lubricant, rheology modifier) rather than an active chemical reagent.
How can I purchase talc powder and what should I ask a supplier?
Purchase options include standard off‑the‑shelf grades, custom milled or surface‑treated grades, and delivered packaging sizes; suppliers commonly offer samples, COAs and lead‑time estimates. Ask for the SDS, COA, asbestos‑free declaration, particle size distribution, minimum order quantity, typical lead time and any required regulatory/compliance documentation before placing an order.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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