Strontium nitrate is an inorganic salt with wide ranging applications across various industries.
Composition and Properties
Strontium nitrate, with the chemical formula Sr(NO3)2, is composed of strontium and nitrate ions. Strontium is an alkaline earth metal belonging to group 2 of the periodic table, same as calcium. Nitrate is a polyatomic ion consisting of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms.
Strontium Nitrate exists as colorless crystals or a white crystalline powder at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water and less soluble in alcohols like ethanol. When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and strontium oxide. Its melting point is around 850°C and boiling point is estimated to be above 1000°C with decomposition.
Some key properties that make strontium nitrate useful are its solubility in water, ability to form colorless solutions, high stability at room temperature, and decomposition temperatures well above normal conditions. These characteristics allow its varied uses discussed below.
Uses in Pyrotechnics
Strontium nitrate finds major application as a source of bright red colors in pyrotechnic compositions used in fireworks. When burned, it emits bright red-orange strontium light. Its optimum particle size range and burn rate provide vivid color displays without producing excessive smoke or residue.
Being hygroscopic in nature, strontium nitrate readily absorbs moisture from air. To prevent caking during storage, it is usually mixed with glass frits, silica, and resins in pyrotechnic formulations. Many modern fireworks contain 5-15% strontium nitrate for bright, long lasting crimson flares and shells.
Applications in Agriculture
As a fertilizer source of nitrates and strontium, this salt plays an important role in agriculture as well. Strontium is an essential micronutrient required by plants in small amounts. Strontium nitrate applied to soil improves nutrients availability and promotes better growth, stress resistance and crop yields.
Some field crops that benefit from strontium fertilizers are wheat, barley, sugarcane, soybeans and cotton. Studies show strontium supplementation enhances plants vigor, drought tolerance and disease resistance. The nitrate present also nourishes foliage growth as a nitrogen source.
Industrial and Laboratory Uses
Apart from pyrotechnics and agriculture, strontium nitrate has applications in niche industrial processes and laboratory experimentation due to its traits. Some examples are:
- Used in the manufacture of strontium compounds used in ceramics, glass and cable sheathing.
- Enters as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellants providing high burning rates.
- Acts as an accelerator in gas generators producing oxygen for emergency breathing systems.
- Helps in the pickling of metals by baths of its concentrated aqueous solutions.
- Provides strontium ions for biochemical research on metalloenzymes, bone growth and nutrition.
- Produces sparks for smoker's articles and as a dopant in spark plug materials.
- Serves as a precursor to make radioactive isotope Sr-90 for use in irradiation studies.
Health and Environmental Concerns
While strontium nitrate is stable under normal conditions, precautions must be taken regarding its hygroscopic and oxidizing nature. Skin contact with concentrated solutions may cause irritation. Inhalation of its decomposition fumes is toxic producing symptoms like coughing and breathing difficulty.
Proper handling and protective equipment are advised during manufacture, storage and experiments involving this salt. Spills dissolving in water could release nitrate ions entering water bodies stimulating algal bloom. Disposal should follow hazardous waste norms to prevent environmental pollution. With judicious use and safety protocols, strontium nitrate's benefits can be realized sustainably.
Strontium nitrate is an inorganic metal salt having diverse uses across pyrotechnics, agriculture, industrial sectors and laboratories leveraging its solubility, stability and high decomposition temperatures. It stands out as a prime strontium and nitrate source providing brightly colored flames along with other advantages. Though its toxicity calls for precautions, strontium nitrate played and continues playing an important role through versatile applications where other substitutes lack equivalent functionality.
For more details on the report, Read- https://www.marketwebjournal.com/strontium-nitrate-trends-size-and-share-analysis/
The Strontium Nitrate Market 2021 research report gives emerging industry data, global segments and regional outlook.
The report generated using various analysis tools like porter’s five forces model, market attractiveness and value chain.
The report gives comprehensive review of the global market helping to club revenue generation and profitable business to transform client’s success.The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide.
The major players in the strontium nitrate market include Solvay, Celtic Chemicals Limited, BassTech International, Furun Chemicals, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Ronas Chemicals Ind.
This section includes a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.Get more information on "Global Strontium Nitrate Market Research Report" by requesting FREE Sample Copy at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/strontium-nitrate-market/download-sampleMarket DynamicsAt present, flashes, smoke flames, and other fireworks and pyrotechnics have become one of the important part of recreation and entertainment shows related to sports events, award shows, media events and festivals among others for the addition of extravaganza grandeur to the show.
This has resulted in a significant upsurge in the demand for fireworks and pyrotechnic chemicals across the geographies.
