Optimization of surface modification parameters of calcium carbonate in the rotary-vibration mill with a fuzzy-based taguchi experimental method

Ultra-fine calcium carbonate (UCC) is used as a filler material in polymers, and after a surface modification (coating) process, its surface changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. However, conventional coating techniques such as raymond and pin mills are widely used in the industry; there is still a need for new, inexpensive, and practical methods. Mechanochemical technologies are considered one of the most effective alternatives. The rotary-vibration mill (RVM) works mechanically and is characterized by low investment and operating costs. There are three main contributions in this paper. First, a fuzzy-based Taguchi experimental design is proposed to analyze a fuzzy response under uncertainty. Second, the surface modification of UCC with stearic acid was carried out using RMV, with five modification parameters and an active ratio fuzzy response. Moreover, the results indicate that RVMs are an alternative mechanochemical surface modification technology for preparing coated calcium carbonate (CCC). Finally, particle size distribution (PSD), contact angle, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction Analysis), TGA-DTA (Thermogravimetric Analysis-Differential Thermal Analysis), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer), and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analyses were conducted for the coated calcium carbonate (CCC) acquired from the optimum conditions of the modification study.