Calcium Carbonate in Nairobi Kenya
Olinc Industrial products and Equipments is the leading supplier and retailer of Calcium carbonate in Nairobi Kenya . This is a prevalent substance that exists naturally in rocks, primarily in the forms of calcite and aragonite, with limestone being the most well-known source. It is from mining or quarrying and is referred to as Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC). Alternatively, calcium carbonate can be produced from calcium oxide. This involves adding water to create calcium hydroxide, followed by the passage of carbon dioxide through the solution to cause the precipitation of calcium carbonate. This resulting form is known as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC).
Some of the synonames of Calcium Carbonate in Nairobi, Kenya are Argonite, Calcite, Chalk, Lime, Limestone, Marble, Ground Calcium Carbonate, GCC, Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, PCC, E170
The chemical formula of this product is CaCO3
Characteristics of Calcium Carbonate in Nairobi Kenya
Chemical Composition and Structure
- Formula: Calcium carbonate composes of calcium (Ca), carbon (C), and oxygen (O) atoms.
- Molecular Structure: It has a trigonal planar structure where the calcium ion is coordinated with three oxygen atoms.
Physical Properties
- Appearance: Calcium carbonate is typically found as a white, odorless powder or crystalline solid.
- Solubility: It is poorly soluble in water (about 0.0013 g/100 mL at 25 °C) but reacts with acids, releasing carbon dioxide gas.
- Density: The density of calcium carbonate varies with its crystalline form, but it generally ranges from 2.7 to 2.9 g/cm³.
Crystalline Forms
- Calcite: The most stable and common form, typically found in sedimentary rocks.
- Aragonite: A less stable form that is formed in marine environments and has a different crystal structure.
- Vaterite: A rare, less stable form of calcium carbonate.
Reactivity
- Acid Reaction: Calcium carbonate reacts vigorously with acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) to produce carbon dioxide, water, and calcium salts.
- Thermal Decomposition: When heated above 825 °C, it decomposes to calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Uses
- Industrial Applications: Widely used as a filler in products like paints, rubber, and plastics; as a calcium supplement in food and pharmaceuticals; and in the production of lime for various chemical processes.
- Construction: Major component of cement and concrete, and used in the construction of roads and buildings.
- Environmental Uses: Used in water treatment to neutralize acidic waters and in flue gas desulfurization to reduce emissions from power plants.
Biological Significance
- Biomineralization: Calcium carbonate is a critical component of shells in marine organisms (e.g., mollusks) and coral reefs.
- Role in Ecosystems: Contributes to the buffering capacity of natural waters and supports the carbonate equilibrium in aquatic systems.
- Environmental Impact
- Carbon Cycle: Plays a role in the carbon cycle through the weathering of rocks and sedimentation processes.
- Ocean Acidification: Increased atmospheric CO₂ can lead to ocean acidification, impacting organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons.
Safety and Handling
- Generally considered safe for handling, but prolonged exposure to dust can cause respiratory irritation. Use appropriate protective equipment when working with powdered forms.
Analytical Methods
- Identification: Commonly identified through acid tests, where effervescence occurs upon contact with hydrochloric acid.
- Quantitative Analysis: Techniques like titration and spectroscopy help determine calcium carbonate concentration in various samples.
