Antimony Trioxide

Antimony trioxide is an amphoteric oxide, it dissolves in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to give the meta-antimonite NaSbO2, which can be isolated as the trihydrate. Antimony trioxide also dissolves in concentrated mineral acids to give the corresponding salts, which hydrolyzes upon dilution with water. With nitric acid, the trioxide is oxidized to antimony oxide. The main application is as flame retardant synergist in combination with halogenated materials. The combination of the halides and the antimony being key to the flame-retardant action for polymers, helping to form less flammable chars. Such flame retardants are found in electrical apparatus, textiles, leather, and coatings. Other applications: * Antimony trioxide is an opacifying agent for glasses, ceramics and enamels. * Some specialty pigments contain antimony. * Antimony trioxide is a useful catalyst in the production of polyethylene erephthalate (PET plastic) and the vulcanization of rubber.

Technical Specifications