About Barium (Ba)
Symbol: Ba
Atomic number: 56
Atomic weight: 137.3
Element category: alkaline earth metals
Barium is a soft, silvery metal that rapidly tarnishes in the air and reacts with water.
Barium is not an extensively used element. Most are used in drilling fluids for oil and gas wells. It is also used in paint and in glassmaking.
All barium compounds are toxic; however, barium sulfate is insoluble and so can be safely swallowed. A suspension of barium sulfate is sometimes given to patients suffering from digestive disorders. This is a ‘barium meal’ or ‘barium enema’. Barium is a heavy element and scatters X-rays, so as it passes through the body the stomach and intestines can be distinguished on an X-ray.
Barium carbonate has been used in the past as a rat poison. Barium nitrate gives fireworks a green color.
Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) now can provide various Barium products including:
Barium Fluoride (BaF2) Powder
Barium Chromate (BaCrO4) Powder
Barium Carbonate (BaCO3) Powder
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4) Powder
High purity Barium Evaporation Materials
Barium Key Features:
Chemical Reactivity: Barium exhibits high chemical reactivity, forming compounds that contribute to a range of industrial processes and applications.
X-ray Absorption: Barium's ability to absorb X-rays makes it a crucial component in medical imaging, where barium compounds are used as contrast agents in X-ray procedures.
Electron Emission: Barium-based materials are utilized in electronic devices due to their capability to emit electrons when heated, a property essential in vacuum tubes.
Desiccant Properties: Barium oxide is a powerful desiccant, capable of absorbing moisture and water vapor, making it useful in drying applications.
Oil Exploration: Barium sulfate is used as a drilling fluid in oil and gas exploration, aiding in maintaining wellbore stability and preventing blowouts.
Barium Applications:
Medical Imaging: Barium compounds are employed in X-ray procedures to enhance contrast and visibility in gastrointestinal and other medical imaging.
Electronics: Barium-based materials play a role in vacuum tubes, cathode-ray tubes, and electronic displays due to their electron emission properties.
Glass and Ceramics: Barium compounds are used to modify the properties of glass and ceramics, enhancing their optical properties and reducing melting temperatures.
Desiccants: Barium oxide is utilized as a desiccant in various applications, such as air conditioning systems and drying agents for organic compounds.
Oil and Gas Industry: Barium sulfate is employed in drilling fluids to stabilize wellbores and prevent unwanted fluid influx during oil and gas exploration.
Barium Quality Assurance:
Our Barium products are sourced from reputable suppliers known for their commitment to quality and innovation. Each product undergoes rigorous quality checks to meet the highest industry standards.
