Antimony

Antimony is produced mainly from stibnite, which is a sulfide mineral. The largest producers of antimony include China, Russia, Bolivia, Tajikistan, and Turkey. The metal has several isotopes, with antimony-121, antimony-123, and antimony-125 being the most abundant. The metalloid is very rare in the Earth’s crust, accounting for only 0.2 parts per million.

Antimony has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. It has been used for centuries as a pigment in cosmetics and pottery, and it is mentioned in several works by ancient writers such as Aristotle and Pliny the Elder. In the Middle Ages, it was widely used as a medicine to treat various ailments. However, it came into widespread use during the industrial revolution when it was discovered that antimony could be used as a fire retardant.

One of the significant applications of antimony is in the manufacture of lead-acid storage batteries. It is added to lead alloys to improve their strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. It also improves the performance of the battery by enhancing its charging and discharging characteristics. In printing industries, antimony is commonly used as a component in the formulation of type metal, which is used to make printing plates.

In the past, antimony was used as a flame retardant in a wide range of products, including children’s clothing, mattresses, and car seats. However, its use has been declining in recent years due to concerns about its toxicity. Antimony in high doses can cause toxicity in humans, particularly in children, leading to nervous system damage and other health disorders. Therefore, the use of antimony as a flame retardant has been strictly regulated in many countries, and alternative compounds are being developed.

Moreover, antimony has some use in the semiconductor industry. As a semi-metal, antimony can function as either a semiconductor or a metal, depending on the conditions. The metalloid is used to dope silicon, which is essential for producing monocrystalline silicon. Monocrystalline silicon is the preferred material for making semiconductor devices due to its superior electrical properties.

Antimony also has some medicinal applications, particularly in Chinese traditional medicine. It is used to treat digestive disorders, respiratory illnesses, and skin diseases. In Western medicine, antimony has been used to treat parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis.

Antimony is produced primarily for its use in industry. The global demand for antimony was estimated at 170,000 tonnes in 2020, with the largest consumer being China, which accounts for approximately 75% of the world’s antimony consumption. Other significant consumers include Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. The price of antimony metal varies widely, depending on the level of demand, global supply, and other factors.

In conclusion, antimony is a versatile element with various industrial and medicinal applications. It is an essential component in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries, type metal, and flame-retardant materials. However, concerns over its toxicity have led to the introduction of regulations in several countries restricting its use in certain products. Nevertheless, its unique properties will continue to make it an essential element in many industries.