Barium Sulphate

Barium sulfate (or sulfate) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaSO4.It is a white crystalline solid that is odorless and insoluble in water. About 80% of the world's barium sulfate production, the mostly purified mineral is consumed as a component of oil well-drilling fluid. It increases the density of the fluid. The majority of synthetic barium sulfate is used as a component of white pigment for paints. A thin layer of barium sulfate called baryta is first coated on the base surface of most photographic paper to increase the reflectiveness of the image. In polypropylene and polystyrene plastics, it is used as a filler in proportions up to 70%. It has the effect of increasing acid and alkali resistance and opacity. Barium sulfate in suspension is frequently used clinically as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging and other diagnostic procedures. Barium sulfate is also used during the procedure of the soil pH test. Barium sulfate is used as catalyst support. It is also used in Pyrotechnics formulas. As barium sulfate has a high burning point and is insoluble in water, it is used as a coating material in the casting copper anode plates.