Calcium Hydroxide Hydrated lime

Calcium Hydroxide Hydrated lime or Slaked Lime, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂. It appears as a white, odorless, powder or crystalline solid. It is produced by treating quicklime (calcium oxide) with water in a process called slaking. Calcium Hydroxide is moderately soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution known as limewater. It is widely used in construction, environmental, chemical, agricultural, and water treatment applications due to its caustic, neutralizing, and flocculating properties.

Description

Calcium Hydroxide Hydrated lime Uses

Primary Uses

  1. Construction & Building Materials

    • Used as a key ingredient in mortar, plaster, and cement for masonry and plastering works.

    • Acts as a stabilizing agent in soil stabilization and road construction.

  2. Water Treatment

    • Employed to raise pH and neutralize acidic water in municipal and industrial water treatment plants.

    • Used as a flocculant to remove impurities and heavy metals from wastewater.

  3. Chemical Industry

    • Utilized as a neutralizing agent in chemical processes and as a raw material for calcium salts production.

    • Used in the manufacture of bleaching powder and other calcium compounds.

  4. Agriculture

    • Applied to adjust soil pH (liming) to improve fertility and reduce soil acidity.

    • Used as a pesticide and fungicide to control pests and diseases in crops.

Secondary Uses

  1. Food Industry

    • Used in food processing as a firming agent, for example, in pickling and in the production of certain sugar syrups.

  2. Environmental Applications

    • Applied in flue gas desulfurization to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants.

  3. Leather Industry

    • Utilized in the tanning process for removing hair and impurities from hides.
KEY ATTRIBUTES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium hydroxide

  • Common/Trade Name: Calcium Hydroxide, Hydrated Lime, Slaked Lime

  • CAS Number: 1305-62-0

  • HS Code: 2825.90.00

  • Molecular Formula: Ca(OH)₂

  • Synonyms:

    • Slaked lime

    • Hydrated lime

    • Calcium dihydroxide

    • Lime hydrate

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Fine powder or crystalline solid

  • Color & Odor: White; odorless

  • Melting Point: Decomposes at ~580°C (releases water and forms calcium oxide)

  • Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)

  • Density: Approx. 2.2 g/cm³ (powder bulk density varies)

  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (about 1.73 g/L at 20°C), producing a strongly alkaline solution (pH ~12.4)

  • pH: Strongly alkaline (in aqueous suspension)

  • Stability: Stable under normal conditions; reacts with acids and carbon dioxide

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Corrosive (Skin and eye irritant)

  • NFPA Ratings:

    • Health: 3

    • Flammability: 0

    • Reactivity: 1

  • Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³ (respirable dust), 15 mg/m³ (total dust)

  • Toxicity: Irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; ingestion of large amounts can cause severe irritation

  • Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with acids; reacts with carbon dioxide forming calcium carbonate

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and acids

  • Container Type: Airtight, moisture-resistant containers such as HDPE bags or drums

  • Shelf Life: Stable for several years if stored properly

  • Special Handling: Use PPE; avoid dust inhalation and contact with skin/eyes

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA Status: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for specific food applications

  • Pharmacopoeia Compliance: Listed in USP and BP as a reagent and pharmaceutical excipient

  • Transportation: Not classified as hazardous under most regulations but handle as irritant material

  • Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local environmental regulations; neutralize before disposal

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate; high pH in water can harm aquatic life if released in large quantities

  • Persistence: Inorganic mineral; does not biodegrade

  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate

  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

  • Biodegradability: Not biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Protective gloves

  • Safety goggles or face shield

  • Dust mask or respirator (for powder handling)

  • Protective clothing

Handling Measures:

  • Avoid generating dust

  • Handle in well-ventilated areas

  • Prevent skin and eye contact

Storage Measures:

  • Keep containers tightly closed

  • Store away from moisture and acids

Hygiene Practices:

  • Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty occurs

  • Skin Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical attention if irritation persists

  • Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek urgent medical care

  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical attention

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but may react with water or acids producing heat

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO₂ for surrounding fire

  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and SCBA

  • Decomposition Products: May release calcium oxide and hydroxide vapors under extreme heat