Barium Sulfate Powde

Barium sulfate or barium sulphate is an inorganic ionic compound with the chemical formula BaSO₄, appearing as a white crystalline solid in nature, primarily found in the mineral barite. This compound consists of divalent barium ions (Ba²⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) and, due to its ionic structure, possesses unique physical and chemical properties. It has a molar mass of 233.39 g/mol and is one of the most insoluble salts of alkaline earth metals in water and many other solvents. Only concentrated sulfuric acid can dissolve it to some extent. Due to this high insolubility, barium sulfate, unlike other barium compounds, is completely non-toxic and safe for humans.

From a processing perspective, barium sulfate is produced in two ways:

Natural extraction: from the barite mineral (with low purity).

Industrial purification process: Barite is first heated with coke to produce soluble barium sulfide (BaS), which is then reacted with sulfuric acid to obtain pure, non-toxic barium sulfate.

Properties of Barium Sulfate Powder

High purity:

A high percentage of BaSO₄ indicates excellent quality and performance. For high-sensitivity applications, a purity above 98% is usually required, ensuring minimal impurities.

Exceptional whiteness and brightness:

Due to precise processing, the powder exhibits high brilliance and whiteness.

Uniform particle size:

The powder has controlled granulation, allowing it to disperse evenly in industrial formulations.

Non-hygroscopic:

High resistance to moisture helps maintain quality during long-term storage.

High chemical resistance:

Suitable for use in acidic and corrosive environments. (The pH of a barium sulfate solution should be around neutral, ~7; significant deviations may indicate impurities.)

Thermal and chemical stability:

Maintains its structure at high temperatures and in chemical environments. It also has X-ray absorption capability.

Solubility:

Insoluble in water, alcohol, and hexane (only slightly soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid).

Applications of Barium Sulfate in Various Industries

Paint and Coatings Industry
Barium sulfate (BaSO₄) is widely used as a mineral filler in paint production. Due to its high chemical stability and heat resistance, it enhances the brightness and durability of paints. A key application is in the synthesis of white pigments commonly used in industrial paints. In oil-based paints, BaSO₄ acts as a filler or texture enhancer, providing consistency, uniformity, and stability to the final paint. Combining barium sulfate with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) produces highly stable white pigments with superior coverage, brightness, and longevity. Additionally, mixing BaSO₄ with zinc sulfide forms a mineral pigment called lithopone, used in special paints and photographic papers to improve light reflectance and image clarity. Its pure white color, stability, non-toxicity, and compatibility make barium sulfate a crucial component in high-quality paints and durable coatings.

Plastics and Rubber Industry
In plastics and rubber, BaSO₄ significantly improves product performance and quality. It is used as a mineral filler in engineering plastics, industrial polymers, and durable rubber. In formulations like polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), barium sulfate can comprise up to 70% by weight, increasing polymer density and enhancing resistance to impact, vibration, and mechanical stress. It also improves surface appearance, reduces unwanted transparency, and enhances texture. In rubber production, it increases hardness, flexibility, and thermal resistance. BaSO₄ acts as a reinforcing and protective additive, providing better performance than some metal protective coatings in composite materials containing high mineral content (70–80%).

Medical Industry
A major application of BaSO₄ is in medical imaging. It is widely used as a radiopaque contrast agent for X-rays and CT scans. Being insoluble and non-toxic, it safely passes through the digestive system. Patients ingest a BaSO₄ solution or receive it via a tube, allowing clear imaging of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Its high X-ray absorption provides sharp contrast, helping physicians evaluate anatomy and detect abnormalities without entering the bloodstream.

Oil and Gas Drilling
Naturally occurring as barite, BaSO₄ is a key component of drilling mud in oil and gas exploration. Adding barium sulfate increases the mud’s density, helping counteract downhole pressure, prevent blowouts, and stabilize boreholes. It also improves mud viscosity, aiding in the removal of rock cuttings and debris during drilling operations.

Ceramics and Glass Industry
In ceramics and glass, BaSO₄ improves product quality. In ceramic glazes and glass formulations, it acts as a whitening and reinforcing agent, enhancing thermal resistance, surface uniformity, and shine. In ceramics, it serves as a matting agent, improves glaze adhesion, reduces cracking during firing, and increases durability. In glass production, it regulates color, increases transparency, and enhances chemical and UV resistance, all while maintaining optical clarity. Its stability, chemical neutrality, non-toxicity, and pure white color make it a valuable component in ceramic and glass products.

Paper Industry
Barium sulfate is used as a thin coating on photographic papers to enhance light reflection and image sharpness. Introduced in Germany in 1884, it ensures uniform distribution of the light-sensitive emulsion on paper fibers, improving contrast and clarity. Recently, BaSO₄ is also used in inkjet and laser printing papers to increase surface brightness and improve color vividness.

Safety Notes

From an environmental perspective, the insolubility and high chemical stability of barium sulfate make it less hazardous than other barium compounds. However, it is still essential to follow safety and environmental guidelines during handling, storage, and disposal. In industrial or laboratory settings, although generally safe, inhalation of airborne BaSO₄ powder may irritate the respiratory system. To prevent potential harm, adherence to international occupational safety standards such as OSHA and NIOSH is recommended:

Permissible exposure limit for total dust: 10 mg/m³

Permissible exposure limit for respirable particles: 5 mg/m³

If exposure exceeds these limits, appropriate control measures should be implemented, including:

Installation and maintenance of local and general ventilation systems

Use of particulate-filter masks designed for fine dust

Regular cleaning of the work environment to reduce airborne particle concentration

Overall, barium sulfate is a safe, stable, and reliable material. Like any industrial chemical, responsible use and adherence to safety and environmental practices ensure the protection of both personnel and the environment.

Storage Conditions

Barium sulfate is non-flammable, non-explosive, and chemically resistant, but it is sensitive to moisture. Contact with water can lead to gradual dissolution and, in some cases, environmental contamination. Therefore, it is recommended to:

Store in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area

Keep in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers

Advantages of Purchasing Barium Sulfate from Sepahan Narm Powder

Sepahan Narm Powder, leveraging modern technology, up-to-date technical knowledge, and strict quality control, produces high-quality barium sulfate that is competitive at the international level. The advantages of purchasing from this company include:

Supply of high-purity product with certificate of analysis

Availability in various quantities to meet the needs of different industries

Competitive and reasonable pricing relative to product quality

Technical consulting services to select the most suitable type of powder

Fast delivery across Iran

Important Points When Purchasing Barium Sulfate

If you plan to purchase barium sulfate, several factors should be considered. Here are the key points:

Selecting the Appropriate Powder
Depending on the industry and application, you should choose the right type of barium sulfate. For example, medical applications require pharmaceutical-grade purity, whereas in the paint industry, high purity and uniform particle size are more important.

Reviewing Technical Specifications
When buying barium sulfate, check the product analysis, including BaSO₄ content, moisture percentage, particle size, and pH.

Comparing Prices
Barium sulfate prices may fluctuate in the market, so it’s recommended to compare products from multiple manufacturers. Keep in mind that lower price does not always mean good quality. At Sepahan Narm Powder, barium sulfate prices are set based on actual quality and without intermediaries.

Purchasing from a Reputable Manufacturer
To ensure product authenticity, buy directly from trusted manufacturers. Purchasing barium sulfate from Sepahan Narm Powder guarantees quality and helps reduce costs.

Purchasing Barium Sulfate

Sepahan Narm Powder provides barium sulfate for various industries. Company managers and industrial professionals can purchase high-quality powders and minerals directly from the company. Sepahan Narm Powder aims to maintain global-quality standards while offering the best barium sulfate prices to its customers.

Conclusion

Considering the points mentioned, purchasing barium sulfate is a key choice for many industries, especially in paint production, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and oil drilling. With its excellent properties, this material can help improve the quality of final products, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Sepahan Narm Powder offers high-quality barium sulfate with standard particle size and competitive pricing, making it a smart choice for various industries. If you are looking to buy barium sulfate with the best quality and price, contact the company’s sales team now to receive the necessary information.