Other Names:
Quicklime, Burnt Lime, Unslaked Lime, CaO
Specification Summary
- Purity: 95%–99.99% (typical grades: ≥96%, 99.998%)
- Form: White to off-white crystalline solid or powder
- CAS No.: 1305-78-8
- Molecular Formula: CaO
- Molecular Weight: 56.08 g/mol
Product Description
Calcium oxide, commonly known as quicklime, is a white, odorless, caustic, and highly alkaline crystalline solid at room temperature. It is poorly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution (calcium hydroxide) upon reaction. The compound is highly corrosive, reacts exothermically with water, and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, forming calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate respectively. Quicklime is non-flammable and stable under normal storage conditions.
Calcium Oxide Specifications Table
Property | Value/Description |
Purity (CaO) | 95.5% – 99.998% |
Appearance | White to off-white powder/solid |
Odor | Odorless |
Melting Point | 2,572°C |
Boiling Point | 2,850°C |
Density | 3.3–3.38 g/cm³ (20–25°C) |
Solubility in Water | 0.956 g/L at 20°C |
pH (aqueous solution) | ~12.6 (strongly alkaline) |
Loss on Ignition | <1% |
MgO Content | 1.6% |
SiO₂ Content | 1.8% |
Fe₂O₃ Content | 0.2% |
Al₂O₃ Content | 0.8% |
Sulfur (S) Content | 0.028% |
Physical Form | Powder, pebble, granular, or lump |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download upon request.
Application Sectors and Industries of Calcium Oxide
Steel Manufacturing
Quicklime is essential in steel production for removing impurities such as sulfur and phosphorus during the refining process. It acts as a flux, promoting slag formation and improving the quality and durability of steel.
Construction & Building Materials
Calcium oxide is a key ingredient in cement and mortar manufacturing. It enhances the setting properties of construction materials, improves strength, and contributes to the durability of concrete and plasters.
Water Treatment
Quicklime is widely used for water softening and pH adjustment in municipal and industrial water treatment plants. It helps precipitate heavy metals and neutralize acidic wastewater, ensuring safe discharge and compliance with environmental regulations.
Environmental Protection
In flue gas desulfurization, calcium oxide captures sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial furnaces, reducing air pollution. It is also used for the stabilization and solidification of hazardous wastes.
Chemical Manufacturing
Quicklime serves as a precursor in the production of calcium hydroxide, calcium carbide, and other calcium compounds. It is involved in various synthesis and neutralization reactions across the chemical industry.
Paper & Pulp Industry
Used in the causticizing step of the Kraft process, calcium oxide converts sodium carbonate to sodium hydroxide, which is vital for pulping wood and recycling paper.
Glass Manufacturing
Quicklime acts as a flux in glassmaking, lowering the melting point of silica and improving the chemical durability and clarity of the final glass products.
Sugar Refining
In sugar mills, calcium oxide is used to purify raw juice by removing impurities and facilitating the precipitation of non-sugar substances, resulting in higher quality sugar.
Agriculture
Applied as a soil amendment, quicklime neutralizes acidic soils, promotes nutrient availability, and enhances crop yields. It is also used for the hygienization of animal waste and compost.
Mining & Metallurgy
Quicklime is used for ore concentration, pH control in flotation processes, and as a reagent in the extraction of precious metals such as gold and silver.
Packaging Types
- 25 kg Bags: Durable, multi-layered bags suitable for manual handling and small-scale usage.
- 500 kg & 1000 kg Jumbo Bags: Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for efficient storage and transportation of larger quantities.
- Bulk Silo Delivery: Pneumatic or tanker delivery for high-volume industrial consumers, ensuring dust-free and continuous supply.
- Drums: Sealed steel or plastic drums for laboratory and specialty applications requiring high purity and protection from moisture.
- Custom Packaging: Tailored solutions available to meet specific customer requirements regarding size, labeling, and handling.
For further technical details, safety information, or to request the latest Technical Data Sheet (TDS), please contact our technical sales team.
