Barium Sulphate

Properties and Use

Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is the barium salt of sulfuric acid. The term 'barium' is derived from the Greek word barys = heavy, which indicates the element's high atomic weight. Barium sulfate is practically insoluble in water, acids (with the exception of hot concentrated sulfuric acid), and bases. Due to its extremely low water solubility, barium sulfate, as compared to other barium compounds, is non-toxic.

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As of recent updates, barium sulfate is extensively used in various industries, especially in oil and gas drilling to create high-density drilling fluids, which help to keep boreholes clear of rock.

Barium sulfate serves as a filler (filling spar) in the plastics, paint, and varnish industries. It enhances the plasticity and weight of materials used for sound insulation in applications such as car mats and plastic sewage pipes. Its chemical inertness and high-temperature stability make it valuable in friction linings, where clutch and brake linings may contain up to 40% barium sulfate.

In the paint and varnish sector, high-quality barium sulfate is used as filler due to its inertness and density. It enhances the volume, viscosity, and workability of products like fillers and primers. Recently, a synthetic form known as blanc-fixe, derived from barium sulfate, has been increasingly used in glossy and photographic papers, leaving behind white deposits upon burning.

In addition to industrial applications, the biomedical field has found uses for barium sulfate due to its ability to absorb X-rays and gamma radiation, particularly in concrete for shielding nuclear reactors and in radio-opaque substances. Approximately 70% of the blanc-fixe produced is used in coatings, as it is brighter than barite and has various applications in automotive and construction industries.

Under recent advancements, barium sulfate has also been recognized for its use in biomedical imaging as it offers a safe contrast medium that enhances the clarity of X-ray and CT scans by coating internal organs.

Barium sulphate is not self-inflammable; even in its powdered form, it doesn't pose a risk of dust explosions.

Occurrence and Production

Barium sulfate is commonly found in nature as barite, a mineral appearing as high-density crystals. Countries like China hold significant deposits of barium sulfate, leading in global mining. The natural form is often utilized in most applications for its purity, especially when white colors are essential.

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Further Information

• Kittel, H (). Lehrbuch der Lacke und Beschichtungen. 2. Auflage, Hirzel-Verlag, ISBN.

• Gaechter, R & Mueller, H (). Taschenbuch der Kunststoffadditive. 3. Ausgabe, Hanser Fachbuchverlag, ISBN .

Barium Sulfate – Properties, Uses, Side Effects and Formula