Calcium Drier
Calcium Drier is a metal-based drying agent primarily composed of calcium salts of fatty acids (commonly calcium octoate or calcium linoleate), widely used as a siccative in paints, varnishes, inks, and coatings. It functions as a catalyst to accelerate the oxidative cross-linking and polymerization of drying oils, leading to faster drying times and improved film hardness and durability. Calcium Driers are valued for their good compatibility with other driers, low toxicity, and efficient catalytic activity at low concentrations. They are commonly used alone or in combination with other metal driers such as cobalt or manganese driers for optimized drying performance.
Calcium Drier
Primary Uses
- Paints & Coatings
- Used as a siccative agent in alkyd resin-based paints, varnishes, and enamels to speed up drying and curing.
- Enhances film formation, hardness, and gloss of the final coating.
- Works synergistically with other metallic driers like cobalt and manganese to optimize drying kinetics.
- Printing Inks
- Applied in oil-based and alkyd printing inks to improve drying rates and reduce tackiness.
- Facilitates better adhesion and faster handling in printing processes.
- Wood Finishes & Stains
- Incorporated in wood varnishes and stains to promote faster drying and durable finishes.
Secondary Uses
- Industrial Applications
- Utilized in manufacturing of certain adhesives and sealants where drying oils are components.
- Used in automotive and marine coatings for improved curing.
- Art Supplies
- Added to artist oil paints to accelerate drying without affecting color quality.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium octanoate (typical) or calcium salts of fatty acids
- Common/Trade Name: Calcium Drier, Calcium Octoate Drier, Calcium Drying Agent
- CAS Number: Variable, e.g., Calcium octanoate (1592-23-0)
- HS Code: 3811.90.00
- Molecular Formula: Dependent on fatty acid, e.g., C16H30CaO4 (Calcium octanoate)
- Synonyms:
- Calcium Octoate
- Calcium Fatty Acid Salt
- Calcium Drying Agent
- Calcium-based Siccative
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Viscous liquid or solid (depending on specific formulation)
- Color & Odor: Pale yellow to amber; mild fatty odor
- Melting Point: Typically 140–150°C (for solid forms)
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Density: Approx. 1.0–1.2 g/cm³ (liquid form)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents and oils
- pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
- Stability: Stable under normal storage; sensitive to moisture
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous; mild irritant potential
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA/ACGIH limits; avoid inhalation of aerosols or dust
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; may cause mild skin or eye irritation
- Reactivity: Stable; avoid strong acids and oxidizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat
- Container Type: Sealed metal or plastic drums or containers resistant to fatty acids
- Shelf Life: Typically 1–3 years under proper storage conditions
- Special Handling: Use PPE to avoid skin and eye contact; prevent inhalation of mist or dust
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Not applicable (industrial chemical)
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous for transport
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental hazard but avoid release to waterways
- Persistence: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid skin and eye contact
- Prevent inhalation of vapors or mist
- Work in well-ventilated area
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Protect from moisture and heat
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible; emits toxic fumes when burned
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Decomposition Products: May release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and metal oxides under fire conditions
Related products
Calcium Octoate
Calcium Octoate 10% is an aqueous solution containing 10% calcium octoate, a calcium salt of 2-ethylhexanoic acid (octanoic acid). It is a white to pale yellow liquid, soluble in water, known primarily as a metal carboxylate used as a drying agent and corrosion inhibitor. It functions as a calcium-based drier in coatings, paints, varnishes, and printing inks to accelerate the curing process by catalyzing the oxidation and polymerization of drying oils. Due to its stability and efficacy at low concentrations, it is widely preferred as a non-toxic alternative to traditional lead or cobalt-based driers.
Cobalt Drier
Cobalt Drier is a metal-based drying agent primarily composed of cobalt salts (commonly cobalt octoate or cobalt naphthenate). It is widely used as a catalyst to accelerate the drying (oxidative curing) of oils, alkyd resins, and varnishes in coatings and paints. This drier promotes polymerization and cross-linking of unsaturated fatty acids in drying oils upon exposure to air, significantly reducing drying times and improving film hardness and durability. Cobalt driers are essential additives in industrial, decorative, and automotive coatings due to their effectiveness at low concentrations and compatibility with various resin systems.
Lead Drier
Lead Drier is a chemical additive primarily used in the coatings and paints industry to accelerate the drying and curing process of oil-based paints, varnishes, and coatings. It functions as a catalytic agent that promotes the oxidative polymerization of drying oils, reducing the drying time and improving the film formation. Lead driers are traditionally lead-based salts such as lead naphthenate or lead octoate, valued for their effectiveness at low concentrations. Due to toxicity concerns, their use is increasingly regulated and often replaced by safer alternatives.
Lead Octoate
Lead Octoate is a viscous liquid solution containing 30% lead octoate, a metal soap derived from lead and 2-ethylhexanoic acid (also known as octanoic acid). It is primarily used as a drying agent (drier) in paints, varnishes, and coatings to accelerate the curing process by promoting oxidation and polymerization of drying oils. This product is widely employed in industrial coatings to improve drying times, hardness, and durability of surface films. Packaged typically in 250kg drums, Lead Octoate 30% is handled with care due to the toxic nature of lead compounds.
Manganese Octate Drier
Manganese Octate Drier is a metal-organic compound commonly used as an oxidative catalyst in alkyd and oil-based coating systems. It is a manganese salt of 2-ethylhexanoic acid (octanoic acid) dissolved in a compatible organic solvent, typically white spirit or hydrocarbon thinner. At a 10% metal concentration, this drier functions as a primary oxidative (surface) drier, accelerating the polymerization and hardening of unsaturated oils and alkyd resins upon exposure to air. It exhibits a dark brown to violet color, has low viscosity, and is highly effective in small doses.
Paint Drier
Paint Drier is a specialized industrial additive designed as a non-toxic, lead-free alternative to traditional lead-based paint driers. It contains 36% active metal content primarily composed of bismuth and other metals, formulated to accelerate the drying and curing process of oil-based paints, varnishes, and coatings. The product improves film formation, reduces drying times, and enhances the durability and gloss of finished surfaces without the health and environmental hazards associated with lead compounds. BxPB36% Paint Drier is commonly used in architectural, industrial, and automotive coatings as a safer substitute for lead-based driers.
Zicronium Octoate
Zicronium Octoate is a metal carboxylate solution comprising zirconium ions complexed with octoic acid at an 18% zirconium concentration. It serves as an effective crosslinking and curing agent in coatings, adhesives, and sealants, enhancing film hardness, chemical resistance, and durability. This zirconium-based additive is valued for its catalytic properties in accelerating the curing of various polymer systems, especially in automotive and industrial applications.
Zinc Octoate
Zinc Octoate is a metal carboxylate solution containing approximately 10% zinc content, derived from zinc and 2-ethylhexanoic acid (octoic acid). It functions as an effective curing agent, catalyst, and crosslinker in various polymer systems such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and rubber compounds. This compound improves film hardness, drying times, and overall durability of finished products, making it widely used in industrial and manufacturing processes.

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