Precipitated barium sulfate, is also known as industrial barium sulfate. It is a synthetic barium sulfate. It is different from natural barium sulfate. As the main producer of precipitated barium sulfate, China has a huge storage and transportation volume. This article provides an in-depth study of the various questions of precipitating barium sulfate.
1）Production Process of Barium Sulfate
Currently, there are two primary methods for producing precipitated barium sulfate. They are the nitrate method and the sulfuric acid method. In the nitrate method, natural barite is heated with coal, converting it into barium sulfide. This sulfide then reacts with sodium nitrate (nitrate of soda) to produce precipitated barium sulfate and sodium sulfide as a byproduct. In the sulfuric acid method, barium sulfide is converted into barium carbonate using carbon dioxide and subsequently reacts with pure sulfuric acid to yield precipitated barium sulfate.
These processes offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. The nitrate method is cost-effective. However, it produces sulfur byproducts, leading to moderate product purity, high impurity levels, and instability. The sulfuric acid method is slightly costlier but yields a product with lower impurities and improved whiteness. Despite this, it’s important to note that its production costs are generally higher than those of the nitrate method.
In China, approximately 95% of manufacturers primarily use the nitrate method. They focus on applications like anti-corrosive paints and various coatings. In contrast, the sulfuric acid method is rarely employed. It is mainly used in transparent fillers and high-gloss polypropylene in the engineering plastics industry.
2）Principle of Production
In water, the equilibrium between barium ions and sulfate ions occurs naturally. If barium sulfate precipitates are present in water, they will also interact with sulfate ions and barium ions in a balancing act. While the solubility of barium sulfate is relatively low. It still contributes to some dissolution in water, effectively removing sulfate ions. In this process, it is crucial to filter out barium sulfate before adding sodium sulfate. Once sodium sulfate is introduced, it reacts with the remaining calcium and magnesium ions, subsequently precipitating barium sulfate. After adjusting the pH, the product undergoes drying and grinding to yield the familiar precipitated barium sulfate we commonly use.
3) Chemical Production Equations for Barium Sulfate
Various methods for producing precipitated barium sulfate include:
A cost-effective method with low impurity levels. But it produces sulfur byproducts, affecting product purity and stability.
A method with lower costs. But it generates toxic hydrogen sulfide byproducts, demanding high equipment and environmental requirements.
A straightforward process used mainly as secondary processing for some factories.
A method with a simple process. However, it has high raw material costs, resulting in high product purity and relatively controllable particle sizes.
We utilize advanced environmentally friendly technology, using sulfuric acid, and barium carbonate as raw materials. During production, no harmful or toxic gases are emitted, and no water-soluble salt byproducts are generated. This approach is more straightforward and environmentally friendly, aligning with sustainable development principles.
4) General Production Flow of Barium Sulfate
The standard production process includes:
Reaction
Surface treatment
Water washing and pressure filtration
Drying and grinding
Final product packaging
5) Electron Microscopy Images of Barium Sulfate
Electron scanning microscopy images of precipitated barium sulfate show particle sizes at different magnifications. These images provide insights into the product’s microstructure and particle distribution.
BMP series with particle size 0.70um
BMP series with particle size 0.30um
BMP series with particle size 0.10um
6) Characteristics of BMP series
Barium sulfate produced using environmentally friendly methods offers several key advantages:
- High purity, acid and alkali resistance, excellent corrosion resistance, and weather resistance.
- Lower specific surface area, easy wetting, lower surface energy, and good dispersibility.
- Lower specific surface area, easy wetting, lower surface energy, and good dispersibility.
- Minimal sulfur compounds and odors, resulting in a safer product.
- Uniform particle size, low oil absorption, reduced VOC emissions, and excellent leveling properties.
- High whiteness, color neutrality, outstanding glossiness, and reduced product color deviation.
- High L-value and blue phase characteristics, reducing the need for titanium dioxide.
- Low impurities, no black spots, and no harmful substances, ensuring product safety and cleanliness.
- Moderate hardness, free from impurities like quartz, reducing paint grinding time and losses.
7) BMP103 Application in Coating
In the world of coatings, achieving the perfect shade of white is more complex than it might seem. It requires a delicate balance of materials to provide excellent coverage, durability, and aesthetics. Traditional components, such as titanium dioxide, have long dominated this space. Yet, there’s a new technology, and it’s turning heads with its cost-effectiveness, weather resistance, and enhanced performance. We’re talking about modified precipitated barium sulfate BMP103.
1. The Quest for a Perfect White
Creating the perfect white coating isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a matter of functionality. White coatings need to offer excellent coverage, long-lasting durability, and resistance to environmental factors. Historically, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been the go-to pigment for achieving this. While it does an admirable job, it comes with a hefty price tag.
BMP103 (a modified precipitated barium sulfate product) promises to revolutionize white coatings. To explore its potential, we conducted comprehensive tests, examining its impact on coating cost, color consistency, mechanical strength, and weather resistance.
2. The Coating Formulation Process
Our testing began with the formulation process for white coatings. We used the following ingredients: A2560 acrylic resin, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, dispersant, defoaming agent, and xylene. These components were mixed at 2000 RPM for 20 minutes. We then added a leveling agent and continued mixing at 1000 RPM for an additional 5 minutes before filtering the mixture. The ratio of the slurry to glass beads was 1:1.
3. The Results
Our tests provided significant insights into BMP103’s impact on white coatings:
3.1. Cost Savings
BMP103 proved to be an effective means of reducing coating costs. It offers a more budget-friendly alternative to titanium dioxide.
3.2. Color Consistency and Coverage
When used in the right proportions, BMP103 can replace titanium dioxide without compromising color concentration and covering power in pure color slurries and paint. It also enhances the mechanical strength of coating films.
3.3. Weather Resistance
Incorporating BMP103 into the system had minimal impact on gloss, while significantly improving weather resistance compared to conventional domestic barium sulfate fillers. This means coatings are less prone to yellowing and powdering under environmental stress.
3.4. Improved Gloss and Appearance
BMP103 contributed to better leveling of coating films. It results in more uniform gloss and superior gloss retention, ensuring that coatings maintain their appearance over time.
So, modified precipitated barium sulfate (BMP103) offers a promising alternative to traditional white coating pigments like titanium dioxide. Its positive impact on cost savings, color consistency, mechanical strength, and weather resistance make it a valuable addition to the coatings industry. BMP103’s remarkable performance in these areas suggests that it can enhance the quality of white coatings while remaining budget-friendly.
HanlinK is committed to the application and cooperation of new chemical materials such as modified ultrafine precipitated barium sulfate, plastic functional masterbatch, and customized polyester chips. Our proprietary barium sulfate production process is based on sulfuric acid. The products produced have controllable particle size, shape, and high whiteness. Contains no sulfides, black spots, or impurities. Excellent dispersion. At present, our company has a product range with an average particle size of 30 nanometers to 10 microns.
