A composite powder containing microstructured particles obtainable by means of a method in which large particles are combined with small particles, whereinthe large particles have an average particle diameter within the range from 0.1 μm to 10 mm,the large particles comprise at least one polymer,the small particles are arranged on the surface of the large particles and/or distributed inhomogeneously within the large particles,the small particles comprise sphere-shaped precipitated calcium carbonate particles having an average diameter within the range from 0.05 μm to 50.0 μm, wherein the sphere-shaped calcium carbonate particles are obtainable by means of a method in whicha. a calcium hydroxide suspension is initially charged,b. carbon dioxide or a carbon dioxide-containing gas mixture is introduced into the suspension from step a. andc. resultant calcium carbonate particles are separated off,with 0.3% by weight to 0.7% by weight of at least one aminotrisalkylenephosphonic acid being further added.Preferred application areas of the composite powder encompass its use as additive, especially as polymer additive, as additive substance or starting material for compounding, for the production of components, for applications in medical technology and/or in microtechnology and/or for the production of foamed articles.The invention therefore also provides components obtainable by selective laser sintering of a composition comprising a composite powder according to the invention, except for implants for uses in the field of neurosurgery, oral surgery, jaw surgery, facial surgery, neck surgery, nose surgery and ear surgery as well as hand surgery, foot surgery, thorax surgery, rib surgery and shoulder surgery.The invention also provides the sphere-shaped calcium carbonate particles which can advantageously be used to produce the composite particles according to the invention, and the use thereof.
