Barium

About Barium (Ba)

Symbol: Ba
Atomic number: 56
Atomic mass: 137.3
Element category: Alkaline earth metals
Barium is a soft, silver metal that tarnishes rapidly in air and reacts with water. Barium is not a commonly used element. It is primarily utilised in drilling fluids for oil and gas drilling. It is also used in the manufacture of paints and glass. All barium compounds are toxic; however, barium sulphate is insoluble and may therefore be ingested with minimal risk. In patients experiencing digestive disturbances, a suspension of barium sulphate may be administered, a procedure referred to as a "barium meal" or "barium enema". Barium is a heavy element that attenuates X-rays, thereby rendering the stomach and intestines visible on radiographic images. Barium carbonate was previously employed as a rodenticide. Barium nitrate is used in fireworks to produce a green colour.

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) now offers a range of barium products, including:
Barium fluoride (BaF2) powder
Barium chromate (BaCrO4) powder
Barium carbonate (BaCO3) powder
Barium sulphate (BaSO4) powder
High purity barium evaporation materials

Main Features of Barium:

Chemical Reactivity: Barium exhibits high chemical reactivity and forms compounds that contribute to various industrial processes and applications.

X-ray Absorption: Barium's capacity to absorb X-rays makes it useful in medical imaging, whereby barium compounds function as contrast agents in radiographic procedures.

Electron Emission: Barium-based materials are used in electronic devices owing to their ability to emit electrons when heated, a property that is essential for vacuum tubes.

Drying Properties: Barium oxide serves as a drying agent by absorbing moisture and water vapour, making it suitable for drying applications.

Oil Exploration: Barium sulphate is employed in drilling fluids to stabilise boreholes and to prevent fluid ingress during oil and gas exploration.

Applications of Barium:

Medical Imaging: Barium compounds are used in radiographic procedures to enhance contrast and visualisation of the gastrointestinal tract and other anatomical structures.

Electronics: Due to the electron emission properties of barium-based materials, they are used in vacuum tubes, cathode ray tubes and electronic displays.

Glass and Ceramics: Barium compounds are incorporated into glass and ceramics to modify melting points and optical properties.

Moisture Control: Barium oxide is employed as a desiccant in applications such as climate control systems and for the drying of organic compounds.

Oil and Gas Industry: Barium sulphate is utilised in drilling fluids to stabilise boreholes and prevent unwanted fluid influx during exploration.

Barium Quality Assurance:

Our barium products are sourced from reputable suppliers known for their commitment to quality and innovation. Each product is subject to rigorous quality control tests to meet the highest industrial standards.