Antimony(III) Oxide (CAS 1309-64-4) is Key Commercial Compound of Elemental Antimony

04 Jun 2012 • by Natalie Aster

Antimony(III) oxide (antimony trioxide, diantimony trioxide, dioxodistiboxane) is the most widely produced inorganic compound of antimony, with the formula O3Sb2. Like most polymeric oxides, antimony trioxide dissolves in aqueous solutions only with hydrolysis.

Antimony trioxide can be found in nature as the minerals valentinite and senarmontite, or it can be human-made – mainly from stibnite ores (antimony trisulfide) or as a by-product of lead smelting and production.

The key application of antimony trioxide is for flame retardants in combination with halogenated materials. To achieve the same amount of fire protection, only half as much halogen is needed in case the antimony synergist is included. Such flame retardants are found in electrical apparatus, textiles, leather, and coatings.

Antimony trioxide is a useful catalyst in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic). Antimony trioxide used for this purpose is usually of higher purity than the product used for glass or flame retardants. There are other choices that work better as catalysts, however, but they are prohibitively expensive.

Antimony oxide also finds application in the glass industry as a clarifying agent. The product is added during the meltdown process to remove any undesired bubbles, inclusions or color.

Because it is a white powder, antimony trioxide is often used as an opacifier for the porcelain and enamel industries. Antimony trioxide is also used as a chemical intermediate for the production of other antimony compounds. It is used as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. The product is added to fluid lubricants to increase stability, as well as to molybdenum disulfide to decrease friction and wear.

China takes the lead in antimony trioxide production globally, although countries like the US, Mexico, South Africa, Bolivia, Russia, Europe and Japan also make this product.

Antimony(III) oxide market is covered in the study Antimony(III) Oxide (CAS 1309-64-4) Market Research Report 2012. The report encompasses proper description of the product, unveils application areas, and briefly summarizes patents in the sphere. It overlooks antimony(III) oxide market situation, names manufacturers, suppliers as well as users. The report also provides current antimony(III) oxide prices in the market.

More information on the antimony(III) oxide market can be found in the report “Antimony(III) Oxide (CAS 1309-64-4) Market Research Report 2012”.

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