Calcium Hydroxide is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(OH)₂. It's a white, alkaline powder that is produced by mixing quicklime (calcium oxide) with water.
Calcium hydroxide has various industrial and commercial applications;
- Construction: Used as a binder in mortar and plaster, and as a component in concrete.
- Water Treatment: Used to adjust the pH of water and to remove impurities.
- Agriculture: Used to improve soil pH and as a pesticide.
- Pulp and Paper Industry: Used in the pulping process and as a sizing agent.
- Chemical Industry: Used in the production of various chemicals, such as calcium carbide and calcium hypochlorite.
- Food Industry: Used as a food additive (E526) to adjust pH and as a preservative.