Grades: Norkem supplies powder, free-flowing powder, high purity powder and granular
material along with liquid suspension supplied as 60% 70% w/w solids content.
Packaging: Our dry product material is available in 25 kilo, 1,000 kilo or 1,100 kilo nett bags
or in silo tankers. Suspensions are available in 1,000 litre IBCs or bulk road tankers.
Availability: Norkem has stocks in numerous locations throughout Europe to ensure prompt
delivery. We also have production plants manufacturing suspensions in the UK, Belgium and
Australia.
Material: Barium carbonate is a chemical compound that takes the form of white powder. It
is also known as witherite. Insoluble in water but soluble in most acids (excluding sulphuric
acid), it can be produced through one of two manufacturing processes.
In the soda ash method, a solid or dissolved form of sodium carbonate is added to a barium
sulphide solution at a temperature of between 60 and 70 O C. Barium carbonate is then
precipitated and the resulting slurry is filtered, washed and dried. Alternatively, carbon
dioxide can be passed through a barium sulphide solution between 40 and 90 O C. Different
temperatures will ultimately produce varying sized particles.
Production of glass and ceramics
Barium carbonate is a key ingredient in many glazes. It is frequently used as a flux to lower
the high melting point of the glass or as matting agent to reduce the level of glossy shine on
the product. When combined with our colour oxides such as copper and zinc, barium
carbonate produces a range of unique and distinctive colours, including bright blues and
purples.
Its dual nature as both a flux and matting agent means that the effects created by barium
carbonate cannot be easily replicated with other materials. In addition, it helps boost the
scratch resistance of the ceramic.
In specialist glass, barium carbonate is used to increase refractivity.
Prevention of scumming and efflorescence
In earthenware, clay bricks, pavers, roof tiles and like products, barium carbonate eliminates
naturally occurring soluble sulphates. When added to clays, it helps to prevent scumming
and efflorescence. Efflorescence is the process by which soluble salts are able to reach the
surface of porous materials through water movement. The water then evaporates leaving
behind a distinctive and unsightly crystalline salt coating. Concrete and bricks can both be
affected. Barium carbonate is the most effective compound for tackling this issue. When
moisture is present it will precipitate the soluble salts.
Barium carbonate can also be found in Portland cement and rat poison. Barium carbonate is
often added to salt brines to assist in the removal of sulphates, with the ultimate aim of
producing chlorine and alkali. Alongside iron oxide, barium carbonate is a key compound in
the production of barium ferrite magnets.
Our suspension products were developed to eliminate the handling of dusty powders in the
working environment and to allow for greater control of addition rates and reduced waste.
