Depending on the amount of water used, calcium hydroxide can either be a dry hydrate (dry powder), a paste (putty lime) or a liquid milk of lime also called lime slurry (dry suspension in water).
Properties of hydrated lime:
- Appearance: White
- Chemical Formula: Ca(OH)2
- Melting Point: Decomposes at 580°C (1,076°F) before melting
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
- Density: 2.2 g/cm³
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution: 1.75 g Ca(OH)2 /L
- pH: pH of around 12.5 at 25°C (77°F) (highly alkaline)
Applications of hydrated lime:
Hydrated lime is commonly used in various applications, including:
- Construction: Frequently combined with sand and cement to produce mortars and plasters.
- Agriculture: Serves as a soil conditioner to neutralize acidic soils.
- Water Treatment: Utilized to adjust pH levels and eliminate impurities from water.
- Industrial Processes: Plays a role in the production of various chemicals and the treatment of wastewater, or when calcium is needed.
Lhoist’s brands for hydrated lime are: Akdolit®, Hypel®, Sorbacal®, and more.
