Technical centre

Technical questions about antimony compounds

Each answer has its own page, with links to related materials and topics.

Flame-retardancy fundamentals

A1Is antimony trioxide a flame retardant?A2Does antimony trioxide work in a halogen-free system?A3How does antimony-halogen synergy work?A4Can I replace antimony trioxide with aluminium or magnesium hydroxide?A5What role does antimony play in achieving UL 94 V-0?A6How much antimony trioxide goes into a formulation?

Polyester and PET

B1What is antimony trioxide used for in PET production?B2How much antimony catalyst is used per ton of PET?B3Why is antimony trioxide dissolved in ethylene glycol before it enters the reactor?B4What advantage does ethylene glycol antimonate have over powdered trioxide?B5Are there alternatives to antimony as a PET catalyst?B6Does catalyst antimony remain in the resin?

Glass and ceramics

C1What is sodium pyroantimonate used for in glass?C2Is antimony used as a refining agent in container glass?C3What is the difference between sodium pyroantimonate and sodium antimonate?C4Is antimony used in ceramics and enamels?

Grade selection and transparency

D1What is the difference between flame-retardant and catalyst grade?D2What purity do I need for my application?D3I need flame retardancy without losing transparency. Can I use antimony trioxide?D4What particle size should I request?

Purchasing, logistics and compliance

E1What are the customs code and CAS number for antimony trioxide?E2What packaging is it sold in?E3Can you buy less than one metric ton?E4Is antimony trioxide produced in Mexico?E5What documents are needed to qualify a supplier for this material?E6How long does it take to qualify a new material?E7What handling precautions does antimony trioxide require?E8Where does antimony trioxide in the global market come from?E9Why is the antimony price so volatile?