Calcium Formate

Calcium Formate: Properties, Applications, and Benefits

Introduction

Calcium formate (Ca(HCOO)2) is a chemical compound with diverse applications across various industries. It is the calcium salt of formic acid and is commonly used as a setting accelerator for cement and concrete, a preservative in animal feed, and an additive in various industrial processes. This document provides an in-depth exploration of calcium formate, covering its chemical properties, production methods, industrial applications, and benefits.

Chemical Properties

Calcium formate is a white, crystalline, odorless powder that is highly soluble in water. It has the following chemical properties:

• Molecular Formula: Ca(HCOO)2
• Molecular Weight: 130.12 g/mol
• Density: 2.02 g/cm³
• Melting Point: Decomposes at high temperatures
• Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in most organic solvents
• pH: Typically neutral to slightly alkaline in aqueous solutions

Production Methods

Calcium formate is synthesized using several methods, including:

1. Reaction of Calcium Hydroxide with Formic Acid: This method involves neutralization, leading to high-purity calcium formate.
2. Reaction of Calcium Carbonate with Formic Acid: This process is cost-effective and widely used in industrial settings.
3. As a By-product of Pentaerythritol Production: Calcium formate is obtained as a secondary product in the manufacture of pentaerythritol, a key ingredient in alkyd resins.

Industrial Applications

Calcium formate finds use in multiple industries due to its unique properties. Some key applications include:

1. Construction Industry

• Concrete and Cement Additive: Calcium formate acts as an accelerator in cement and concrete formulations, reducing setting time and increasing early strength development, especially in cold weather conditions.
• Tile Adhesives and Mortars: It improves adhesion and workability while preventing efflorescence in construction materials.

2. Animal Feed Industry

• Preservative and Growth Promoter: In livestock and poultry feed, calcium formate acts as an acidifier, promoting better digestion and inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Pathogen Control: It helps reduce harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli in animal feed.

3. Leather Tanning

• pH Regulator: It is used in leather tanning to maintain the required pH level, ensuring efficient absorption of tanning agents.

4. Textile and Dyeing Industry

• Dye Fixation: It enhances the dyeing process by improving dye uptake and fixation in textile fibers.

5. Oil and Gas Industry

• Drilling Fluid Additive: Calcium formate serves as an environmentally friendly additive in drilling fluids, improving fluid stability and lubrication properties.

Benefits of Calcium Formate

The wide-ranging applications of calcium formate stem from its numerous advantages, including:

• Improved Concrete Durability: Enhances early strength and reduces construction delays.
• Enhanced Animal Health: Supports digestion and growth in livestock while minimizing disease risk.
• Eco-Friendly: Non-toxic and biodegradable, making it safer for industrial applications.
• Cost-Effective: Readily available and economically viable for large-scale applications.

Calcium formate is a versatile compound with significant benefits in construction, agriculture, and industrial processes. Its role as a concrete accelerator, feed preservative, and pH regulator underscores its importance across multiple sectors. With growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly additives, calcium formate continues to be a valuable chemical in various industries.

MSDS Calcium Formate