The main uses of antimony:
1. Its oxide (antimony trioxide) is used to make refractory materials. The formation of antimony halides from antimony trioxide can slow combustion. In addition to halogen-containing polymeric flame retardants, antimony trioxide is almost always used together with halide flame retardants. These flame retardants are often used in children's clothing, toys, aircraft, etc., and are also used as additives for polyester resins in the fiberglass composite industry, such as engine covers for light aircraft.
2. Used in the field of biology or medicine. For example, antimony potassium tartrate (commonly known as tartar) was once used as a drug to treat schistosomiasis, but it was later gradually replaced by praziquantel. Antimony and its compounds are also used in a variety of veterinary medicines, such as amsumab (lithium antimony thiomalate) as a skin conditioner in ruminants.
3. High-purity antimony and antimony metal compounds (indium antimony, silver antimony, gallium antimony, etc.) are also ideal materials for the production of semiconductors and thermoelectric devices. Antimony is often used as a dopant in ultra-high conductivity n-type silicon wafers. This material is used to produce diodes, infrared detectors and Hall effect elements, while indium antimonide is used to make mid-infrared detectors. instrument.
Extended information:
A metal element used in chemical industry, electrical engineering and medicine. Its alloy can be used to make lead type, bearings, etc.
With the development of science and technology, antimony is now widely used in the production of various flame retardants, alloys, ceramics, glass, pigments, semiconductor components, medicine and chemical industries. Among them, the antimony used in the production of flame retardants accounts for about 60% of the total antimony consumption, the consumption of antimony in the manufacture of alloy materials, sliding bearings and welding agents in batteries accounts for about 20%, and the consumption in other aspects is about 20%.
Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia - Antimony