(formula for barium sulfate)
The formula for barium sulfate
plays a crucial role across a multitude of industries where chemical stability, purity, and performance are required. Understanding the properties, market comparison, and applications of this essential chemical—from its use in medical imaging to pigmentation and plastic reinforcement—empowers professionals to make informed decisions. This analysis unfolds the chemical formula, production standards, technical advantages, and vendor differentiation, highlighting the solutions tailored for unique specifications and the latest breakthroughs as demonstrated in real-world applications.
Barium sulfate, chemically represented by BaSO4, is notable for its exceptional insolubility in water and acids, a property that underpins its myriad uses. The chemical formula of barium sulfate dictates its remarkable density (4.5 g/cm³), white opaque appearance, and non-toxicity. Its Mohs hardness of 3 and high refractive index of 1.64–1.65 position it as a preferred additive in coating formulations, radiology, and high-temperature resistance products. Notably, barium sulfate’s thermal stability up to 1580°C without decomposition ensures integrity in demanding applications, while its particle size can be engineered down to nanometer-scale dispersions for modern composite material technologies. These characteristics are quantified as follows:
Property | Value | Significance |
---|---|---|
Chemical Formula | BaSO4 | Defines molecular structure |
Density | 4.5 g/cm³ | High opacity and radiodensity |
Refractive Index | 1.64–1.65 | Brightness and whiteness in coatings |
Thermal Stability | Up to 1580°C | Suitability for high-temperature applications |
pH (10% suspension) | 6.0–8.0 | Chemical compatibility |
The purity level, usually above 98% BaSO4 content, can be customized based on targeted industrial usage, underpinning its versatility.
Choosing the right supplier for barium sulfate requires careful assessment of technical quality, pricing, customization options, and customer support. A comparative overview of three global leaders—Solvay, Sakai Chemical, and Haifa Group—reveals how each company leverages its distinct strengths.
Attribute | Solvay | Sakai Chemical | Haifa Group |
---|---|---|---|
Purity (%) | 99.2 | 98.7 | 98.0 |
Particle Size (µm) | 0.7–2.0 | 1.0–2.5 | 0.8–2.2 |
Annual Capacity (kTons) | 250 | 180 | 120 |
Lead Time (weeks) | 2–3 | 3–4 | 3–5 |
Customization | Extensive | Standard and modified grades | Basic |
Certifications | ISO 9001, GMP | ISO 9001, FSSC | ISO 9001 |
Technical Support | 24/7 Global | Regional Specialists | Email/Phone |
This data-driven perspective helps organizations discern not only quality benchmarks but also the level of service and product adaptability suited to their project requirements, ensuring a competitive advantage.
The ability to customize the formula of barium sulfate is pivotal as diverse industries demand precise specifications. Customization encompasses particle size distribution, surface modifications (such as hydrophobic or hydrophilic treatments), enhanced dispersion, and optimized purity for specialized uses. For example, in injection-molded polymers, ultrafine BaSO4 with surface modification ensures perfect dispersion, amplifying mechanical properties while maintaining transparency. In contrast, for radiological contrast agents, the focus shifts to ultra-high purity and controlled viscosity. Specialist manufacturers offer tailored blends by integrating co-precipitation techniques, engineered to fit customer’s end-application, resulting in products that exceed generic performance metrics. Collaboration between R&D teams and clients establishes a supply chain model where bespoke BaSO4 grades are formulated, batch-tested, and certified on-demand.
The utility of barium sulfate spans sectors such as medical diagnostics, automotive engineering, paints and coatings, oil drilling, and plastics manufacturing. A snapshot of practical deployment is illustrated below:
Application | BaSO4 Grade | Performance Metrics | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
CT/X-ray Contrast Media | Pharmaceutical, USP/BP compliant | Purity > 99.8%, Median size 1 µm | High-contrast imaging & patient safety |
Automotive Plastics | Superfine, surface treated | Dispersion grade D50 0.7µm, reinforcement index +20% |
Improved toughness & processability |
Paints & Coatings | High brightness, controlled PSD | Brightness > 94%, refractive index consistency |
Enhanced opacity & color stability |
Oil & Gas Drilling | Drilling grade | Density > 4.2 g/cm³, low impurities | Effective weighting in drilling fluids |
These examples demonstrate how technical flexibility and stringent quality protocols assure reliable outcomes in critical fields.
Maintaining the integrity of barium sulfate supply revolves around rigorous quality control and adherence to international regulations. Batch-to-batch consistency, contaminant screening (including heavy metals and soluble barium limits), and documented testing—such as ISO 9001 and GMP compliance—are industry minimums. Medical and food-grade barium sulfate must align with USP, BP, or E171 monographs, and undergo additional pharmacopoeial testing for sterility, purity, and safety. Leading suppliers implement real-time analytics and traceability protocols that preserve quality through the product lifecycle. Third-party audits, certifications, and full chemical traceability provide transparent records, supporting corporate and regulatory responsibilities in various sectors.
Over the years, the formula for barium sulfate has consistently delivered unparalleled value to sectors where reliability, quality, and performance are mission-critical. With ongoing advancements in materials science, surface engineering, and application development, the demand for tailored BaSO4 grades continues to accelerate. Modern supply chains depend on data-driven vendor selection, rigorous quality assurance, and application-focused customization to unlock new potentials. As industries evolve, the integration of barium sulfate remains not only a matter of chemical composition, but of strategic adaptability, ensuring new innovations for tomorrow’s challenges.
(formula for barium sulfate)