images by Wikimedia Commons
BaSO4 || Barium Sulfate
Barium sulfate is a rather multifuncational chemical, with uses ranging from drilling fluid, to pigment, soil pH tests, pyrotechnics, medicine and the copper industry.
In drilling fluid barium sulfate is used to increase the density of the fluid and this is where 80% of the world’s barium sulfate production ends up.
In pigmentations it holds two uses, one as a component for white paint, and the other as a filler or also used to modify the consistency of the paint.
In soil pH tests barium sulfate is used as a sacrifical chemical, in which its role is to precipitate out any particles that may interfere with the clarity of the solution. These particles are usually clay.
In pyrotechnics barium sulfate can be used for a green firework, as barium compounds emit green light when burned.
Barium sulfate holds an important role in the copper industry as it coats the mold that is used to cast the copper anode plates - thus allowing the copper plate to be easily removed after casting.
In medicine barium sulfate is used often as a radiocast agent for x-ray imaging. An example of this is in the detection of stomach ulcers. When ingested the barium sulfate will coat all healthy tissue in the stomach, but the stomach ulcer doesn’t allow the barium sulfate to coat it. This lets the ulcer be found because barium absorbs x-rays and therefore when viewed later, the ulcer can easily be found on the image.
