Calcium element has a long history of application, even before scientists discover the element. Pure calcium is mainly used in the steel industry. Calcium element is widely used in architecture. The main component of marble that was used in ancient architecture is calcium. Calcium is a vital element of the human body. It exists everywhere in our life.
Uses of calcium metal
Calcium is used in the steel industry.
Calcium metal is one of the strongest deoxidizers used in steel making. The calcium element combined with the total oxygen in nonmetallic or the dissolved oxygen in the molten steel.
The calcium treatment improves the grain boundary, fine adjust the alloy composition, and controls the form of inclusions in the steel.
The properties of calcium metal:
Melting point: 850℃, Boiling point:1480℃, Density:1.55g/cm3, the solubility in molten steel is close to 0.
The calcium has a great affinity with oxygen and can dissolve the Al2O3 impurity. After the calcium treatment, the Al2O3 turns into large liquid inclusions and floating upward, thereby reducing the blockage of the tapping hole.
Reducing agent: Calcium is a reducing agent in high-temperature metallurgy – chromium, thorium, uranium, rare earth elements, zirconium from oxides and halides, magnetic samarium cobalt alloys, hydrogen-absorbing lanthanum nickel alloys, and titanium nickel alloys.
Getter material: Calcium can be used as a getter material in electronic valve making.
Calcium used in other industrial field
Deoxidizing agent: Calcium is used as a deoxidizer when smelting tin bronze, and nickel.
Dehydrating agent: Calcium can be used as a dehydrating agent for organic solvent
Desulfurizing and decarbonizing agent: Calcium can be used as a desulfurizing and decarbonizing agent for iron and ferroalloys.
Nitrogen removal agent: Calcium can be used as a nitrogen removal agent for collecting inert gases, and resolving the rotten thiophene and mercaptan.
Fluxing agent: Calcium fluoride is used as a fluxing agent, and as a raw material for optical glass, optical fiber, and enamel.
Oxidizing agent: Calcium peroxide is a kind of mitigatory oxidizing agent, which is used for sterilization, and anticorrosion.
Alloying agent: Lead calcium alloy has high hardness, and corrosion resistance, it can be used as the cable skin and the tin plate of the accumulator. The plasticity of aluminum alloy is strengthened by adding calcium elements.
Function of calcium in human body
It is well known that the calcium element takes an important role in the human body.
The calcium element exists in the skeleton, and blood of the human body. Calcium is the most abundant inorganic salt in the human body, accounting for about 2% of body weight.
Calcium is not only the main mineral component of bone tissue but also plays an important role in various physiological and biochemical processes of the body.
Lack of calcium element will cause decreased immunity, cramps in the hands and feet, loose teeth, and excessive anemia. Attention should be paid to calcium supplementation. If dietary intake is insufficient, calcium tablets are needed.
Compounds of calcium
Where can you find calcium? The calcium compounds mainly include calcium carbonate (CaCO3), calcium oxide (CaO), calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, calcium fluoride (CaF2), and calcium sulfate (CaSO4).
The calcium carbonate common name is calcite, aragonite. The main component of the limestone, marble, and white marble is calcium carbonate.
Pure white marble can be made into decorative columns and crafts, the marbles can be made into the outer wall of the buildings and ground surface materials.
The limestone (CaO) is mainly used to produce cement.
Calcium fluorite (CaF) is widely used in glass, ceramics, and cement production.
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) can be used for cement, putty, and other building materials.
Calcium can be found in our daily lives in various forms. As the technology develops, more applications of calcium will be discovered.