Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Antimony Trioxide

Antimony trioxide, also known as antimony oxide or Sb2O3, is the most widely produced compound of antimony. The nations that produce the most antimony trioxide are China, Bolivia, South Africa and the Soviet Union. It can be used as a flame retardant, a catalyst, a clarifying agent in glass production, an opacifier for porcelain and enamel, and a white pigment for paint. When used as a flame retardant it is often used in combination with halogenated compounds. Antimony trioxide is used as a synergist to enhance the activity of the halogenated flame retardant. In the absence of antimony trioxide about twice as much halogenated compound would be needed to reach the same level of flame retardancy.

Jiefu is proud to offer two grades of antimony trioxide. The KR grade is suitable for almost all flame retardant and additive applications. The Select grade has slightly less impurities and can be used in flame retardant applications where lead levels are of concern, like in Europe to meet RoHS Directive requirements. The Select grade is also used as a catalyst in PET production.

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