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Barium Sulphate

Barium Sulphate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaSO4. It is a white crystalline solid, odorless and insoluble in water. It occurs as the mineral barite or in a synthetic form as a precipitated Barium Sulphate - often refered to as Blanc fixe

Synonyms
Barium Sulfate, Baryte, Barite, Blanc fixe
Chemical Formula
BaSO4
CAS Number
7727-43-7

Characteristics

Molar Weight
233.38 g/mol
Melting Point
1,580°C
Boiling Point
1,600°C
Density
4.49 g/cm³
Forms
White, Crystalline

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Plastics and polymers
  • Adhesives and Sealants
  • Oil and Gas
  • Pulp and paper
  • Textile handling
  • Lubricants
  • Building & Construction products
  • Paint and Coatings
  • Rubber
  • Floor coverings

Barium sulphate

Barium sulphate (BaSO4) is the barium salt of sulphuric acid. In nature, it occurs in the form of the mineral barite, also known as barytes. The substance has also been found in some algae and ciliates. The name is derived from the Greek word "barýs" meaning "heavy".
Barium sulphate is mainly obtained by mining the mineral barite, predominantly in China and India. Several million tonnes are mined every year. Barium sulphate is used in various industries.

Properties

Barium sulphate is a white, crystalline powder that does not dissolve in water, acids or alkalis. Due to its low solubility, the mineral is not a hazardous substance, unlike all other barium compounds.
Barium sulphate can also be produced synthetically by reacting barium compounds such as barium chloride with sulphuric acid or sodium sulphate. The synthetic process is relevant for certain applications as it enables high purity and control over the particle size and shape of the barium sulphate.
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Barium sulphate in the construction industry

Barium sulphate is frequently used in the construction industry for the production of heavy concrete and special floor coverings and tiles. The building materials are used in radiation protection walls and floors in medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics, particularly in X-ray and radiotherapy departments.
The high density of barium sulphate increases its density and thus reduces radiation exposure in neighbouring rooms. Construction materials containing barium sulphate are also used as radiation protection materials in nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.

Barium sulphate in the polymer industry

Barium sulphate is used in polymer compounds as a cost-effective filler to improve mechanical properties such as (surface) hardness, density and abrasion resistance. The thermal conductivity and flame retardant properties of plastics are also optimised by the addition of barium sulphate.

Barium sulphate in the lubricant industry

In the lubricant industry, barium sulphate acts as a thickening agent for lubricating greases to adjust their consistency and increase their viscosity. This improves the stability of the grease and optimises its performance under various operating conditions.
White color roll of paper. Abstract composition of three industrial rolls of paper conjuntion.Detail on the blades. Smooth circular shapes composition.

Barium sulphate in the pulp and paper industry

Barium sulphate contributes significantly to the quality and performance of pulp and paper products. It is used as a filler in paper production to increase the density, weight and thickness of the paper.
It also helps to improve the physical properties of the paper, such as smoothness and surface finish. This is particularly relevant for papers used for high-speed printing processes, as it reduces friction and enables more even ink distribution.
The use of barium sulphate also optimises the printability ft he paper in the standard process. It increases the opacity and brightness as well as the whiteness ft he paper, resulting in sharper and clearer printed images and improved colour reproduction during printing.

Barium sulphate in the textile industry

In the textile industry, barium sulphate acts as a whitening agent and filler that increases the strength, density and weight of textile fibres. As a matting agent, barium sulphate reduces the lustre and produces matt or satin surfaces.
The substance is also used in coatings for textiles to improve abrasion resistance and durability. It also smooths the surface structure of the end product and is also used in textile printing.

Barium sulphate in the textile industry

In the textile industry, barium sulphate acts as a whitening agent and filler that increases the strength, density and weight of textile fibres. As a matting agent, barium sulphate reduces the lustre and produces matt or satin surfaces.
The substance is also used in coatings for textiles to improve abrasion resistance and durability. It also smooths the surface structure of the end product and is also used in textile printing.

Barium sulphate in the food industry

In the food industry, barium sulphate is primarily used as a release agent and additive. In powders and dry mixes, it prevents clumping and improves flowability. It also serves as a carrier for food colourings and ensures even distribution in the end product.

Other areas of application for barium sulphate

Barium sulphate is used in the glass and ceramics industry to optimise the hardness, density and chemical resistance of the end products.
In the adhesives and sealants industry, barium sulphate is often used as a filler to reduce volume costs, control viscosity and improve the mechanical properties of adhesives and sealants. It increases the density and can optimise the strength and hardness of the end products.
As a filler, barium sulphate improves the mechanical properties of rubber and caoutchouc. It increases density and strength and thus the durability and abrasion resistance of the end products.
Barium sulphate plays an important role in the oil and gas industry, particularly in drilling and extraction processes. The oil and gas industry requires the highest quantity of barium sulphate used worldwide for drilling mud. The substance increases the density of the drilling mud so that the hydrostatic pressure can be controlled and the penetration of formation fluids can be prevented. Higher pressure also stabilises the borehole and prevents the walls from collapsing.