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Calcium Sulphate: An Introduction Chemical Compound Commonly Found In Nature

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Poonam
Calcium Sulphate: An Introduction Chemical Compound Commonly Found In Nature

Calcium sulphate, with the chemical formula of CaSO4, is a widely used chemical compound commonly found in nature. It exists in both hydrated and anhydrous forms and has multiple applications across various industries. In this article, we will explore the properties, uses, production and health effects of this versatile chemical.

Properties of Calcium Sulphate

- Structure and Forms: Calcium sulphate exists in several hydrated forms like dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O), hemihydrate (CaSO4.1/2H2O) and anhydrous (CaSO4). The dihydrate and hemihydrate forms are commonly found in nature.

- Physical Appearance: Calcium sulphate dihydrate appears as colorless or white crystals or crystalline powder. Anhydrous calcium sulphate exists as white powder or colorless crystals. Both forms are odorless.

- Solubility: Calcium sulphate dihydrate has relatively low solubility in water while the anhydrous form has very low solubility. The solubility increases with rise in temperature.

- Stability: All forms are stable at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Anhydrous calcium sulphate starts losing water when heated above 1384°C and decomposes to calcium oxide and sulphur trioxide at higher temperatures.

Main Applications

- Construction Industry: Calcium sulphate finds widespread usage in the construction industry. Its dihydrate and hemihydrate forms are components of plaster of Paris, used to make molds, casts, sculptures etc. Anhydrous calcium sulphate is used in wallboard production.

- Agriculture: As a soil amendment, calcium sulphate helps loosen clay soils and provides plants with calcium and sulphur nutrients. It is applied to soil as agricultural gypsum.

- Food Industry: Due to its regulating effect on texture and consistency, calcium sulphate is used as a food additive (E517). It is generally regarded as safe for human consumption.

- Pharmaceuticals: Both dihydrate and anhydrous forms find applications in pharmaceutical products as a neutralising agent, thickening agent, desiccant etc.

- Others: Calcium sulphate also has uses in dental cements, fireproofing materials, textiles, flue gas desulphurization and wall plaster.

Production of Calcium Sulphate

The two major methods employed for industrial production of calcium sulphate are:

Mineral Extraction: Calcium Sulphate naturally occurs in mineral form, mainly as gypsum (dihydrate). Commercial deposits of gypsum are mined and processed further. Mining has less environmental impact than synthetic production.

Industrial Synthesis: In this method, limestone (calcium carbonate) reacts with sulphuric acid to produce calcium sulphate slurry as per the chemical reaction: CaCO3 + H2SO4 → CaSO4.2H2O + CO2↑. The slurry is then dried to obtain the dihydrate, hemihydrate or anhydrous forms.

Both methods produce calcium sulphate at large volumes to meet the bulk demand from major end-use sectors worldwide. Production figures have shown steadily rising global trends over the last decade.

Health Effects of Calcium Sulphate

Calcium sulphate is generally recognized as safe for use in products that may have contact with foods or the human body. However, proper safety precautions must be followed during industrial production and handling:

- Inhalation: Breathing calcium sulphate dust over long periods may lead to cough, sore throat and potential respiratory problems. Adequate ventilation is necessary.

- Skin/Eye Contact: Direct contact with eyes can cause irritation. Prolonged skin contact may cause drying of skin due to its hygroscopic nature. Gloves and safety gear are recommended.

- Ingestion: Swallowing large amounts of calcium sulphate may cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. However, the risks are very low when consumed through food.

- No Cumulative Effects: Studies show calcium sulphate does not accumulate in the body and symptoms resolve quickly upon discontinuation of exposure. With prudent handling, risks are minimal.

Conclusion

In summary, calcium sulphate is a widely available and economically produced chemical with valuable properties and diverse applications across industries. While necessary precautions must be exercised during production and usage, calcium sulphate poses very low health risks when used responsibly and as per prescribed guidelines. Its natural abundance, recyclability and safe record cement calcium sulphate's role as an indispensable industrial chemical.

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