Antimony trioxide is an inorganic compound with the formula Sb2O3. It is the most important commercial compound of antimony. In nature, it commonly occurs as the minerals valentinite and senarmontite. Like most polymeric oxides, antimony trioxide dissolves in aqueous solutions by hydrolysis.
Areas of Use
In the United States and Europe, the annual consumption of antimony trioxide is approximately 10,000 and 25,000 tons, respectively. Its largest area of use is as a flame-retardant synergist in materials.
Other applications:
Antimony trioxide is an opacifying agent for glass, ceramics, and enamels. Some specialty pigments contain antimony. Antimony trioxide is a useful catalyst in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic) and in the vulcanization of rubber. Antimony trioxide is used in many devices in our homes and offices: TVs, computers, household appliances, industrial electrical installations, power adapters, and portable electronic devices. It is also incorporated into fire-resistant plastic housings, resin circuit boards, switches, insulation and decorative foams, and building materials; and it is used in flame-resistant textile products for clothing that presents a fire risk and for certain occupational garments (e.g., firefighters). In transportation vehicles, it serves as a flame retardant in seats and plastic components, providing more time to escape in the event of a fire. The use of antimony trioxide as a synergist has prevented millions of serious burn injuries and countless loss of life.
ATO is also used in a wide range of industrial applications:
It is used as a catalyst in polyester (PET) production; as an opacifying agent for glass, ceramics, and enamel; as a dopant in semiconductors; as a coating used in some grades of titanium dioxide pigments; and as a component in the manufacture of complex inorganic colored rutile pigments. It is also used as a matting agent in cast-iron baths and dip enameling. Appearance: a white, crystalline, odorless powder. Antimony trioxide is an inorganic compound with the formula Sb2O3 and is one of the most important commercial compounds. These minerals can occur in nature as valentinite and senarmontite. Like polymeric oxides, antimony trioxide dissolves in aqueous solutions through hydrolysis. Antimony trioxide is produced by oxidizing antimony from its ore form and from antimony metal.