Overview
Quicklime, or calcium oxide (CaO), is a fundamental industrial chemical produced by calcining limestone (calcium carbonate) at high temperatures (900-1,200°C). This process drives off carbon dioxide, leaving behind the highly reactive quicklime. It has been used since ancient times for construction and sanitation due to its alkaline and disinfectant properties. In modern industry, quicklime serves as a key raw material for steelmaking, water treatment, and chemical synthesis. Its ability to react exothermically with water (slaking) makes it valuable for producing hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), another essential industrial compound.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Quicklime appears as a white to grayish powder or hard lumps, depending on processing. It has a high melting point (2,572°C) and density (3.34 g/cm³), reflecting its ionic crystal structure. The compound is highly alkaline, with a pH of 12-13 when mixed with water. A defining characteristic is its violent exothermic reaction with water, releasing significant heat (1.15 MJ/kg). This property requires careful handling but is exploited in industrial applications like soil stabilization and waste treatment. Quicklime also reacts with acids to form salts and absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, gradually reverting to calcium carbonate.
Main Applications
In construction, quicklime is a primary component in mortars and plasters, where it improves workability and durability. The steel industry uses it as a flux to remove impurities during smelting, accounting for nearly 50% of global consumption. Environmental applications include water treatment (pH adjustment and heavy metal removal) and flue gas desulfurization in power plants. It also serves in chemical manufacturing, particularly for producing calcium-based compounds like bleaching powder and precipitated calcium carbonate.
Safety and Storage
Quicklime poses significant health hazards, including severe skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory irritation from dust inhalation. Proper PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) is mandatory during handling. Storage requires airtight, moisture-proof containers in dry, ventilated areas to prevent slaking and CO₂ absorption. In case of exposure, affected areas should be flushed with water (except for dry powder eye contact, which requires oil removal first). Fire risk exists when quicklime contacts water-sensitive materials, as the heat generated may ignite combustibles.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify purity levels (typically 90-95% CaO for standard grades), with specialized grades reaching 98% for sensitive applications. Packaging options include bulk shipments for large consumers (e.g., steel plants) or 25-50 kg moisture-resistant bags for smaller operations. Key procurement considerations include supplier reliability, batch consistency, and transportation logistics—especially protection from moisture. Prices fluctuate based on energy costs for production and regional demand, with long-term contracts common for large-volume users.
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