Calcium Carbonate is a white, odorless powder that does not dissolve in water. It is widely found in boulders around the world and can be obtained directly from limestone mining. In the following, production method, properties, applications, how to store Calcium Carbonate, as well as safety tips are discussed.
Calcium Carbonate
Specification
Alternative (Trade) Names: limestone, Gypsum, Aragonite, Calcite
Physical and Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula: CaCO3
Mole Mass: 100,087 g/mol
Appearance: Solid, white
Density: 2.8 g/cm3
Melting Point: 825-1339 °C / 1517-2442 °F / 1098-1612 K
Welding Temperature: Decomposes at 899 °C
Solubility in Water : 0.001 mg/L in water at 25 °C
Refractive Index: 1.4828-1.7216
Fire & Explosion: Not combustible
Description
Applications
Drilling Fluids
Pulp and Paper
Construction
Agriculture
Water Treatment
Foods and Beverages
Glass
Health and Medical
Applications of Calcium Carbonate
- Calcium Carbonate can be used in paper industry as a filter and pigment to whiten and enhance the quality of pigments.
- In construction industry as a concrete filler to increase the durability of cement.
- It is used to refine and separate iron from ore.
- In the drilling industry, Calcium Carbonate is used to increase the density and weight of drilling fluids. and also prevents lost circulation in drilling operation.
- Calcium Carbonate is used in the steel industry to remove waste and maintain pH.
- In fertilizers production to supply plant calcium and stabilize soil pH.
- Used as an additive in animal feed and as a vitamin supplement in human feed.
- It is used to purify burnt oils used in automobiles and industrial oils.
- Calcium Carbonate is used in wastewater treatment plants to remove impurities and acidity.
- In production of paints, rubber and plastics.
Applications of granular Calcium Carbonate
- Production of industrial glue and sealants
- Livestock and pet food
- Making carpets
- Construction (concrete, plaster, asphalt)
- Environmental desulfurization
- Fertilizers and lime in agriculture
- Food and medicine
- Glass Production
- Household products
- Surface paints and coatings
- Paper
Applications of precipitated Calcium Carbonate
- Cosmetics And detergents
- Food and beverage
- Health and medicine
- Paper industry
- Plastic
- Sealants and adhesives
Medical and health applications of Calcium Carbonate
Another usage of Calcium Carbonate is in production of medicines. In addition to the use of Calcium Carbonate in the production of toothpaste, this substance also has medicinal uses, which include:
- Used as a phosphate buffer in hemodialysis.
- Used to prevent and treat osteoporosis as a Calcium supplement.
- Used as an antacid for stomach to temporarily relieve indigestion and heartburn.
- Medicinal Calcium Carbonate is used to treat hypocalcemia.
- It is used to treat tumor lysis syndrome and hungry bone syndrome.
- Calcium Carbonate is also used to treat certain muscle diseases such as tetany.
- People with parathyroid disorders (hypothyroidism) benefit from the medicinal properties of this substance.
