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all articlesAntimony oxide, an indispensable raw material24. 10. 2024
Antimony oxide is one of those chemical compounds that may not be noticed at first glance, but its impact on modern industry is absolutely undeniable. This apparently white powder is an inorganic compound, also known by the chemical formula Sb2O3. It plays a key role in many industries, and its importance continues to grow. In recent years, we have seen a huge demand for antimony oxide, which has led to a dramatic price increase of more than 100%. But what exactly is behind this demand and what is the story behind this strategic raw material?
Antimony oxide is extremely valuable in a variety of industries, from textiles to the automotive industry, due to its common use as a flame retardant. Like an invisible flame retardant,antimony dioxide mixes with plastics and textiles to give them the ability to slow or even stop the spread of flame. In crisis situations, it can then play a key role between life and death when used, for example, in car seats.
Antimony dioxide also has an important role to play in technological advances. In electronics, it is used as an additive in the manufacture of semiconductors. Technological leaps such as the new version of the smartphone or increasingly powerful and sophisticated laptops are made possible by antimony dioxide. The use of antimony oxide in glass products such as CRT monitors and optical fibres adds to its strategic importance.
The growth in demand for this raw material is also closely linked to global trends towards sustainability and security. As companies and governments around the world place increasing emphasis on environmental and safety standards, the use of antimony dioxide as a flame retardant is becoming the standard, not the exception. This trend is particularly evident in the automotive industry, where new emissions and safety regulations require the innovative solutions that antimony dioxide offers.
The story of antimony dioxide is also one of business strategies and geopolitical interests. With the world's major producers of the element - such as China - controlling most of the world's supply, trade in antimony dioxide is becoming an increasingly strategic issue. This leads to fluctuations in markets and forces other countries to look for alternative sources and production methods.
Not surprisingly, rising demand and supply constraints have led to dramatic price increases. This trend affects not only the large industrial players, but also smaller companies that depend on a stable supply of this important raw material. The challenges posed by this scenario are forcing companies to innovate, find new suppliers and sometimes develop alternative materials that can perform similar functions.
It is fascinating to see how such an inconspicuous material as antimony oxide can have such a wide-ranging impact on our daily lives and industries. His story reminds us that even the smallest components can play a key role on a global scale.
