CALCIUM FLUORIDE (CaF2, Purity: 99.9%)

CALCIUM FLUORIDE Powder

Applications

Optical Applications:

Lenses and Windows: Calcium fluoride powder is used in the production of optical lenses and windows for high-performance applications. Due to its low refractive index and transparency to ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) light, CaF₂ is widely used in optical systems such as telescopes, microscopes, and laser devices.

UV Optics: It is particularly valuable in ultraviolet optics, as calcium fluoride has excellent transmission in the UV range, making it suitable for UV laser optics, spectrometers, and other UV-based technologies.

Metallurgical Industry:

Flux in Steel Manufacturing: Calcium fluoride is commonly used as a fluxing agent in steelmaking. It is added to blast furnaces to help remove impurities such as silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), and sulfur from the molten metal by forming fusible compounds.

Aluminum Production: In aluminum production, is used in electrolytes and to help lower the melting point of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), which is necessary for electrolysis during aluminum extraction.

Hydrofluoric Acid Production:

Calcium fluoride is a precursor to hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is produced by reacting CaF₂ with concentrated sulfuric acid. HF is an essential chemical used in various industrial processes, including the production of fluorine-containing compounds, refrigerants, and in glass etching.

Glass Industry:

Fluorine-containing Glass: Calcium fluoride is used in the manufacturing of specialty glasses, including optical glass and fluorosilicate glasses, which are used in applications that require transparency to UV and IR light. It helps improve the optical properties of the glass.

Glass Etching: In combination with other compounds, CaF₂ is used to etch glass surfaces, providing detailed patterns or improving surface smoothness.

Fluorine Compounds:

Calcium fluoride serves as a precursor in the production of various fluorine-containing compounds, including fluorocarbons, fluoropolymers, and fluorinated gases, which are used in applications like refrigeration, air conditioning, and chemical synthesis.

Fluoridation of Water:

Calcium fluoride is occasionally used for the fluoridation of drinking water. In this process, CaF₂ is added in controlled amounts to provide fluoride ions, which can help reduce the incidence of tooth decay and improve dental health in communities.