Strontium Silicate

Strontium silicate, with the formula SrSiO3, is a chemical compound made of strontium and silicate ions. It is a crystalline powder that is provided in various grades and amounts of purity and holds specific physical and chemical properties. Due to its properties and the chemical’s price, it is recently regarded as a reliable ceramic manufacturing raw material as an alternative to zinc oxide (ZnO) and other strontium compounds. SrSiO3, meanwhile, functions in many other sectors. In the construction industry, it serves as a lightweight aggregate, providing strength and durability to concrete and masonry products. Additionally, strontium silicate is utilized in the production of glass and electronics. Because of its versatility and reliability, the product maintains aa strong presence in various industrial applications and is constantly being explored for new uses.

Iran Celestine Co. is a world-class strontium silicate manufacturer that provides the material in different amounts of purity suitable for various applications, such as ceramics. The company relies on multiple celestine mines and advanced factories in Iran, which aids in providing one of the purest products in the market. The company operates a well-equipped Karaj factory dedicated to strontium silicate and carbonate production. Furthermore, Iran Celestine Co. also stands out as a powerful strontium silicate supplier due to its great logistics unit. As such, every in-demand company from any corner of the world can rely on Iran strontium silicate with the help of Iran Celestine Co. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get more information about the company’s products, pricing, and related topics.

What is Strontium Silicate?

Strontium Silicate is a white, crystalline powder, with the chemical formula SrSiO3, widely utilized as a raw material in ceramics, glass, and other industries. Its creation involves combining strontium oxide and silica. Strontium silicate is prized for its ability to produce pink to red colors in glazes, making it a popular choice among ceramic artists and producers. However, some professionals in the ceramics industry may find it a little surprising to use SrSiO3 as a ceramic manufacturing raw material, since there are other options, such as Zinc oxide (ZnO) and other strontium compounds like strontium carbonate that contain higher amounts of Sr. To answer the question of whether SrSiO3 is a better choice for ceramics than other strontium compounds or ZnO, we must have a brief overview of these chemicals’ properties and their potential flaws. In the following, you can discover more about it.

Zinc Oxide Properties

With the formula ZnO, zinc oxide is an inorganic substance. It comes in the form of an insoluble white powder. It functions as an additive in many materials and goods, including lubricants, rubbers, plastics, ceramics, glass, and dietary supplements. ZnO belongs to the II-VI semiconductor group and has a broadband gap. N-type doping results from oxygen vacancies or zinc interstitials in the semiconductor’s natural state. Other chemical properties include strong room-temperature luminescence, high electron mobility, wide band gap, and superb transparency. These characteristics make ZnO advantageous for some developing applications, including transparent electrodes in liquid crystal displays, heat- or energy-efficient windows, and electronics like thin-film transistors and light-emitting diodes.

Zinc oxide, however, may pose problems as a ceramic raw material. These disadvantages include the following:

• First, zinc oxide requires a higher firing temperature than other materials, limiting its ability to use in specific glaze formulations;
• Second, the chemical produces a white color in glazes, which is unsuitable for applications requiring other colors;
• Third, ZnO has a low boiling point and can volatilize during firing, which leads to material loss and potential contamination of the glaze;
• Fourth, Zinc oxide can react with other glaze ingredients, leading to undesirable results in the final product.
• And finally, this chemical compound is considered a more expensive product than other materials, resulting in a less cost-effective option for some producers.

Still, we must consider the fact that while they are some disadvantages, they may not be significant in all cases, and some producers may still choose to apply zinc oxide in their glaze formulations due to its other benefits. The point is that the choice of which material to use will depend on each producer’s specific requirements and preferences.

Strontium Carbonate Properties

The carbonate salt of strontium, strontium carbonate (SrCO3), has the appearance of a white or gray powder. The mineral strontianite is as it appears in nature. It is a tasteless, odorless powder that is white. Because SrCO3 is a carbonate, a weak base, it reacts with acids. Apart from that, it is safe to work with and stable. It cannot dissolve in water (0.0001 g per 100 ml). If the water is saturated with carbon dioxide, the solubility rises dramatically to 0.1 g per 100 ml. The most typical application for strontium carbonate is as a low-cost colorant in fireworks. In pyrotechnics, its capacity to neutralize acid is also quite functional. Road flares are another related application. It also has uses in electronic applications. More notably, the chemical is a common element in glazes used in the ceramics industry.

However, challenges may arise when it comes to employing SrCO3 in the field of ceramics. Strontium carbonate requires a greater firing temperature than other materials, making it more complicated to operate in some glaze compositions. Strontium carbonate also gives glazes a pink tint that may only be preferred for some applications. Controlling the release of strontium into the glaze is more difficult since strontium carbonate has a lower solubility than other strontium compounds. This chemical compound may also be less readily available in some areas; thus, availability is also an important consideration. Lastly, the presence of carbon in strontium carbonate can cause glazes to develop pinholes or blisters, which detract from the end product’s desirable quality.

Strontium Silicate; A Crucial Chemical for Ceramics

In two previous sections, we’ve gone through the properties of zinc oxide and strontium carbonate; we specifically discussed these chemicals’ flaws when employed as Ceramic Manufacturing raw materials. Now, it is the time to bring the strontium silicate and its properties back again and see how this chemical compound can play a crucial role in addressing these disadvantages.

Many reasons are involved with the decision to choose strontium silicate over zinc oxide and strontium carbonate in glaze-making. It includes:

• Contrary to carbonates, which include a carbon atom enclosed by three oxygen atoms, silicates do not contain carbon in their chemical composition. It aids in preventing pinholes or blisters using strontium carbonate;
•  Strontium silicate produces pink to red colors in glazes, while zinc oxide produces white, and strontium carbonate produces pink colors;
• SrSiO3 typically requires a lower firing temperature than strontium carbonate, making it easier to use in glaze formulations;
• Strontium silicate may be cheaper compared to strontium carbonate and zinc oxide, making it a more cost-effective option for some producers;
• The chemical is more readily available in some regions compared to strontium carbonate, as there are many strontium silicate manufacturers and suppliers;
• Strontium silicate is generally more soluble when compared to strontium carbonate, which allows for a more consistent and controlled release of strontium into the glaze.

Different Grades of Strontium Silicate

Ceramics, optics, electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals are just a few industries that use strontium silicate, a versatile chemical compound. As a result, strontium silicate manufacturers produce the chemical in various grades, each with its distinct features and specifications, to satisfy the varied needs of these sectors. From technical quality for industrial applications to optical grade for clarity and low refractive index to food grade and pharmaceutical applications, there is a grade of strontium silicate suited for almost any use. However, when choosing the best material for a particular application, it is crucial to comprehend the various grades of strontium silicate and their individual qualities. For instance, customers seeking to use SrSiO3 as a ceramic manufacturing raw material must find a specific type that is well-designed for the application.

Standard Grades of Strontium Silicate

Strontium silicate comes in different standard grades, each with specific properties and uses. These grades are prevalent among various strontium silicate manufacturers and strontium silicate suppliers. On the other hand, each producer may also provide customized grades containing different amounts of purity and specific properties. As such, customers can rely on standard grades of SrSiO3 to find their intended quality without hesitation. Below, you can find out more about some common grades of strontium silicate.

· Technical grade:

The most common type of strontium silicate is called technical grade. It is mainly employed in industrial and technological applications;

· Industrial grade:

Industrial grade is often used for applications that require more purity and performance than technical grade.

· Optical grade:

This grade is intended for use in optical applications where a high level of clarity and low refractive index is desired.

· Electronic grade:

Due to its high level of purity and stability, the electronic grade is utilized in producing electronic components.

These are some of the most common grades of strontium silicate, but other grades may be available depending on the manufacturer and the intended use. It’s essential to choose the suitable quality of strontium silicate based on the application’s specific requirements.

Customized Grades of Strontium Silicate
Customized grades are strontium silicate products specially designed to satisfy a client’s or application’s needs. To ensure that the product fits their particular needs, the manufacturer and the customer typically work closely together to develop these grades. Customized grades of strontium silicate with varying levels of purity, particle size, morphology, and other qualities can be created to fit the customer’s needs. As such, they offer a higher level of performance than standard grades. However, they may cost more than standard grades because they need more customization and manufacturing know-how.

Three oxygen atoms, one strontium atom, and one silicon atom make up the chemical compound strontium silicate, SrSiO3. Different levels of strontium and certain contaminants are contained in each cargo of this material. As mentioned previously, this chemical can be a valuable option as a ceramic manufacturing raw material. In this case, strontium silicate suppliers provide particular grades of the product designed to be used in this industry. Due to their lack of danger and poisonousness, these grades are considered beneficial choices. They allow for removing lead and barium from glazes made at any temperature. So, it is possible to make glossy glazes without zinc that melts at cone 01. Similar to lead, our intended grades also create bright hues. These grades are usually classified based on the amount of purity, such as:

• 35%;
• 40%;
• 45%;
• 50%.

Strontium Silicate Production Process

Strontium silicate is a popular material used in the ceramic industry for its ability to produce pink to red colors in glazes and many more reasons. As the chemical becomes more famous and the desire for its appliance emerges, strontium silicate manufacturers must find more efficient methods to produce the product with greater purity. As of today, strontium silicate can be manufactured through several techniques, including the sol-gel method, precipitation method, hydrothermal method, Pechini method, and solvothermal method. The process used for strontium silicate production depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the producer, including the desired purity, particle size, and precise application. You can find out more about two of these methods and their details in the following.

The Sol-Gel Method

The sol-gel method creates strontium silicate by hydrolyzing a silicate source and a strontium-containing alkoxide in an aqueous solution. The resultant sol can then be dried and calcined to make strontium silicate powder. The capacity to manufacture strontium silicate with controlled particle size and uniform strontium dispersion is one of the benefits of the process. Aside from that, this process enables the manufacturing of highly pure strontium silicate. The sol-gel process, however, takes a lot of time and necessitates specialized equipment, which raises the cost of production. Additionally, the pH and temperature of the processing environment might alter the sol-gel method’s sensitivity and, ultimately, the quality of the finished product.

The Precipitation Method

Strontium salts and silicate solutions react in precipitation to produce strontium silicate precipitates. The precipitation process offers the advantage of being a straightforward and affordable way to make strontium silicate. This process also makes it possible to produce strontium silicate with precise particle size and purity control. Yet, one drawback of the precipitation approach is that it can lead to the creation of large, poorly distributed strontium silicate particles, which could adversely affect the final product’s characteristics. The final product’s quality may also be impacted by the precipitation method’s sensitivity to process variables like temperature.

Strontium Silicate Applications

Strontium silicate is a multipurpose chemical with a wide range of physical and chemical properties that make the product a valuable choice in many industries. In the first section of this article, we’ve outlined various advantages of this chemical when it is added to the ceramics industry as a ceramic manufacturing raw material. It doesn’t mean that strontium silicate can only be used as a ceramic manufacturing raw material; as a matter of fact, many other sectors make use of SrSiO3. It is also involved in the glass-making industry, paint production, construction, and so on. Below, you can discover more about them in detail.

In Ceramics Industry

One of the main applications of SrSiO3 is its appliance as a glaze component. Strontium silicate is essential to the ceramics industry because it offers a variety of advantages to the finished product. Strontium silicate can add various colors to glazes, from pink to red, increasing the glaze’s opacification and making it more resistant to color change and light transmission. Additionally, the glaze’s durability and hardness are enhanced by adding strontium silicate, giving it resistance to chemical and abrasive attacks. This adaptable substance is prized for its capacity to improve the general quality and look of ceramic goods and is a necessary part of many ceramic production processes.

In Glass Production

In the production of glass, strontium silicate plays a crucial role in improving the quality of the finished product. Adding the mineral as a refining agent improves the glass’s optical and mechanical qualities. Its presence enhances the glass’s clarity, strength, and durability. Given this, strontium silicate is a highly sought-after component in producing high-quality glass goods.

In Paint Production

Strontium silicate is used as an ingredient in manufacturing paint, improving its performance and lowering its cost. Strontium silicate contributes to painting to enhance its flow and leveling capabilities, resulting in an even and seamless application. It may result in fewer brush strokes and a better overall finish. Strontium silicate can also function as a cost-effective component, assisting in lowering the overall cost of the paint. The use of strontium silicate in the creation of paint has been proven to produce trustworthy outcomes, so it is a widely used method in the sector.

In the Construction

Construction uses strontium silicate, a versatile material with exceptional physical characteristics, as a lightweight aggregate. In this function, the material’s low density, strength, and durability are used to improve the quality of masonry and concrete products. Strontium silicate is added to concrete or masonry goods to increase their overall strength while lowering weight, making them easier to handle and transport. Also, strontium silicate’s stability and uniformity make it the perfect material for construction since it gives the finished product a consistent structure. Large-scale building projects, where consistency and regularity are essential to success, might significantly benefit from it.

About Iran Celestine Co.’s Strontium Silicate

Iran Celestine Co. is a reputable producer of inorganic materials, specializing in producing strontium silicate and other strontium compounds through its mines and advanced factories. With decades of experience in extraction and manufacturing, the company has a yearly output of over 100,000 tons of celestine and provides this mineral with various levels of purity. This capability positions Iran Celestine Co. as one of the significant suppliers of strontium silicate in large quantities and with different grades and purities. As well, the company has set up extensive storage facilities in Semnan, Ilam, Kohkiloye, and Ahvaz and has a reliable transportation system. Their Bandar Abbas warehouse, spanning 30,000 square meters, is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and equipment. The facility also includes a workshop for producing Celestine concentrate, which can produce 50,000 tons of celestite concentrate annually, serving as a reliable source for the production of strontium compounds, including strontium silicate.

Iran Celestine Co. not only specializes in producing strontium silicate but also offers a wide range of strontium sulfate powders, including 80%, 85%, and +90%. The company has a Karaj facility, producing strontium carbonate and silicate, making it a one-stop shop for Iran strontium silicate and other strontium compounds. With access to multiple celestine mines, such as Neyshabur and Varamin, Iran Celestine Co. is a trusted and reliable strontium silicate supplier worldwide, providing the product in various grades and forms to meet every customer’s needs. The company’s focus on safety and quality is evident in its packing and logistics unit, which packs all of its products under international standards to ensure safe delivery to every customer. If you’re interested in learning more about Iran Celestine Co., its products, and its pricing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable experts.

Conclusion

Strontium silicate (SrSiO3) is a powder with a crystalline structure containing oxygen, strontium, and silicon atoms. It is provided in various grades, such as standard ones (technical, industrial, and Optical grades). Some strontium silicate suppliers also present custom product grades suitable for specific applications, like the ceramics industry. SrSiO3 can be synthesized using various methods, including sol-gel, precipitation, and hydrothermal techniques. The outcome comes in different sectors as a crucial component. As of late, it has been recognized as a reliable ceramic additive instead of zinc oxide and strontium carbonate. It is also employed in construction, paint production, and glass making.