Oxide red

Oxide Red (Red Iron Oxide - Fe₂O₃)

Oxide Red, also known as Red Iron Oxide or Ferric Oxide, is a widely used inorganic compound with the chemical formula Fe₂O₃. It is a highly stable, non-toxic red pigment and finds applications across various industries due to its colorfastness, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

1. Chemical Formula: Fe₂O₃
2. Molecular Weight: ~159.69 g/mol
3. Appearance: Fine red powder
4. Odor: Odorless
5. Density: ~5.24 g/cm³
6. Melting Point: ~1,565°C
7. Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
8. pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in aqueous suspensions.

Applications:

1. Pigments:

• Paints and Coatings: Used in industrial, decorative, and protective paints for its vibrant red color.
• Plastics: Adds color and UV stability to various plastic products.
• Construction Materials: Commonly used to color bricks, tiles, pavers, and concrete.

2. Ceramics:

• Used in ceramic glazes to produce a rich red hue.

3. Cosmetics:

• Safe for use in lipsticks, blushes, and other cosmetic formulations as a natural pigment.

4. Food and Pharmaceuticals:

• Approved as a food-grade colorant (E172) in some applications.
• Used in pills and capsules for coloring purposes.

5. Polishing Compounds:

• Known as jeweler’s rouge, it is used for polishing metals, glass, and gemstones.

6. Catalysts:

• Serves as a catalyst in industrial chemical processes, including the production of ammonia and petrochemical cracking.

7. Environmental Applications:

• Used in wastewater treatment for the removal of contaminants.

8. Magnetic and Thermal Applications:

• Fe₂O₃ is also a component of magnetic materials and refractory products.

Advantages:

1. High Stability: Resistant to fading from UV light and weathering.
2. Non-Toxic: Suitable for use in cosmetics and food-contact applications.
3. Chemical Resistance: Does not react with most chemicals under normal conditions.
4. Cost-Effective: Readily available and economical.

Handling and Safety:

Hazards:

• Considered low toxicity, but prolonged exposure to the powder may cause respiratory or skin irritation.
• Fine particles can create a dust hazard in confined areas.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Respirator: Use a dust mask or respirator when handling large quantities.
• Eye Protection: Safety goggles are recommended to protect against dust.
• Gloves: Prevents skin staining or irritation.

Storage:

• Store in a dry, cool area, away from moisture to prevent clumping.
• Keep in a sealed container to avoid contamination or spillage.

First Aid:

1. Inhalation: Move to fresh air; consult a physician if breathing issues persist.
2. Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Eye Contact: Flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
4. Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and consult a doctor if necessary.

Preparation and Usage:

• In Paints and Coatings: Add to the formulation during the pigment dispersion phase, using mixers for even distribution.
• In Construction Materials: Introduce during the mixing phase of cement or mortar to achieve uniform coloring.
• In Polishing: Use as a fine powder for surface finishing and polishing metals or glass.

Mixing Guidelines:

When combining Oxide Red with other components:

1. Gradually introduce into the mix to avoid dust formation.
2. Use mechanical mixing for uniform color dispersion.
3. Perform quality checks to ensure consistent pigmentation.

Let me know if you’d like more information or specific mixing ratios for a particular application!