Hydrated Lime

Hydrated Lime: Properties, Uses, and Benefits

What is Hydrated Lime?

Hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is a white, dry, and fine powder produced by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) in a controlled process known as slaking. This reaction releases heat and forms a highly alkaline substance used in a variety of industrial and environmental applications.

Chemical Properties of Hydrated Lime

  • Chemical Formula: Ca(OH)₂
  • Molecular Weight: 74.09 g/mol
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, forming a milky suspension known as "limewater."
  • pH: Highly alkaline (pH around 12.4 in water).
  • Appearance: White powder with a soft texture.

Uses of Hydrated Lime

1. Water and Wastewater Treatment

Hydrated lime is widely used in water treatment to:

  • Neutralize acidic water and balance pH levels.
  • Remove impurities such as heavy metals, organic matter, and phosphates.
  • Softening hard water by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions.
2. Construction and Building Materials
  • Used in mortar and plaster to improve durability and resistance to moisture.
  • Enhances cement and concrete strength by reducing shrinkage and cracking.
  • Acts as a stabilizer in soil treatment for road construction.
3. Environmental Applications
  • Helps in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from industrial processes.
  • Used in sludge treatment to control odor and pathogens in wastewater management.
4. Agriculture
  • Improves soil pH and reduces soil acidity for better crop yield.
  • Serves as a pesticide and fungicide to control plant diseases.
5. Chemical and Industrial Uses
  • Used in paper manufacturing for pulp processing.
  • Plays a role in sugar refining by removing impurities from sugarcane juice.
  • Used in leather tanning and paint production as a neutralizing agent.

Advantages of Hydrated Lime

Cost-effective and readily available.
Environmentally friendly when used in pH control and pollution reduction.
Enhances durability in construction materials.
Reduces acidity in various applications, improving process efficiency.

Conclusion

Hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂) is an essential compound in multiple industries, including water treatment, construction, agriculture, and environmental management. Its ability to neutralize acids, remove impurities, and enhance material strength makes it a valuable resource in industrial and commercial applications.




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