|
Inorganic chemical compounds, known as hydroxides, have multiple applications in industry and daily life. One of the best known hydroxides is white slaked lime. In this article, we will discuss its most important properties and intended use. Published: 03-14-2023 What is slaked lime? The term 'slaked lime' means calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ). It is a basic crystalline powder, and its solutions are also known as: dead lime, hydrated lime, calcium dihydroxide, whiten, or lime water What should we know about the structure of slaked lime? Like other compounds classified as hydroxides , slaked lime contains metal cations and hydroxide anions. Slaked lime: properties Calcium hydroxide is in the form of a solid. It is a caustic, flammable, white (or white and beige) powder that has a crystalline structure. It is slightly soluble in water but at the same time hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the environment. Slaked lime, as a hydroxide, is subject to ionic dissociation, reacts with acids and causes metal corrosion. Like any strong base, slaked lime is irritating to the human body. Inhaling its vapors causes breathing difficulties. Ca(OH) 2 damages the skin and eyes. Using Ca(OH) 2 powder and solutions containing it without appropriate personal protective equipment is therefore very dangerous and irresponsible. Production of slaked lime How can we produce slaked lime? Simply extinguish the calcium oxide (burnt lime) with water. The chemical reaction can be denoted as follows: CaO + H 2 O = Ca(OH) 2 . The combination of water and slaked lime is the simplest and most popular method of producing calcium hydroxide.
It is a proven technique used by industrial plants around the world. The shutdown itself can be done in two ways. In DIY projects (do it yourself) or on construction sites, they use the so-called wet quenching. It is very simple and requires us to combine a larger amount of water with calcium powder (to obtain a solution). Professional production of slaked lime is carried out with a minimum amount of water. The final product in this case is a powder called hydrated lime. Main applications of slaked lime Slaked lime has many applications. It is used by producers of construction chemicals , for CZ Leads example. Calcium hydroxide is an ingredient in masonry and coating mortars. Sometimes it is also used in agriculture as: soil deacidifier, protective formulation that protects fruit trees against pests, or fertilizer additive. In the energy industry, the Ca(OH) 2 sorbent is applied in flue gas desulfurization plants. These are systems and equipment that reduce the amount of poisonous sulfur oxides formed in various production and industrial processes. The antibacterial, disinfectant and deacidifying properties of slaked lime are also used in water and wastewater treatment plants . Calcium hydroxide is excellent for neutralizing chemical and biological sludge formed by wastewater. Slaked lime in the form of lime is also useful in the production of sugar.

Industrialists add it to beet juice to eliminate contaminants and bacteria. Medicinal properties of calcium hydroxide Dentists and endodontists have also recognized the potential that calcium hydroxide offers. It is used as an ingredient, for example, in cements and dental cavity fillings. Calcium hydroxide is the perfect substance to use when we want to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is a high-quality component that mitigates the risk of inflammation in the oral cavity. Additionally, formulations containing slaked lime promote the natural regeneration and healing of holes and incisions made during invasive dental procedures, such as when a tooth is extracted. The use of slaked lime at home. For hundreds of years, households have used slaked lime in a variety of ways. The material used to be mainly applied to whitewash walls and ceilings in houses, dugouts, basements or utility buildings (such as barns, stables, etc.). The lime made the wooden structural elements more resistant to insects and mold. Furthermore, its bright color would brighten the interiors and make them look neat. Gardening enthusiasts apply this economical and effective formula to protect their trees and deacidify their fruit and vegetable beds. Today, calcium hydroxide is also used in in-house water treatment plants. The plants are connected directly to the water network. Special filters provide ion exchange and reduce the hardness of water used in homes. Interesting facts about slaked lime Without a doubt, slaked lime is one of the oldest and most intriguing chemical compounds known to man. Here are some interesting facts about calcium hydroxide: Calcium belongs to the alkaline earth metals. It can be found in plaster, marble and chalk.
|
|