Calcium nitrate, also known under the traditional names of "calcium nitrate", "calcareous or calcium nitrate", is an inorganic salt of nitric acid, which is a colorless cubic crystal. The compound has a high degree of hygroscopicity. The density of the compound is 2.36 g / cm³, its melting point is 561 ° C, and its boiling point is 151 ° C. Under normal conditions of storage, it is a non-combustible explosion-proof substance. In the temperature range −60 ° C - +155 ° C, stability is manifested, which distinguishes calcium nitrate. The formula of the chemical compound is Ca (NO3) 2.
Calcium nitrate is obtained by absorption of nitrogen oxides with milk of lime or the action of HNO3 on limestone. Granular calcium nitrate is produced by the method of low-temperature neutralization of HNO3 with natural limestone.
Calcium nitrate is a universal physiological alkaline fertilizer suitable for soils with a low calcium content. Calcium nitrate is suitable for all soils. Its application on acidified, sandy, alkaline soils is especially appropriate. Calcium is necessary for the healthy and proper development of plant tissues, increasing the strength of their cell walls, and improving the quality of fruits. Calcium nitrate improves the presentation of the product, extends its shelf life. It is also used to prevent diseases caused by a lack of calcium (core or apical rot, marginal burn of leaves, and others). Fertilizer is used in liquid form. For hydroponic systems, calcium nitrate is the only way to obtain water-soluble calcium.
The preparation of the compound in the form of granules and crystals significantly expanded the scope of its application. Granular calcium nitrate is not caking, not hygroscopic, easy to use.
Crystalline calcium nitrate is widely used in construction and industry. It is a complex additive introduced into concrete and mortar in order to improve their properties in the construction of monolithic reinforced concrete and concrete structures. These compounds are used as accelerators for concrete hardening. They increase the waterproof class of concrete, increase the setting time without changing the fluidity (rheology) through the use of plasticizers. Calcium nitrate is used to increase frost resistance, fracture strength of concrete, reduce shrinkage deformation of concrete and crack formation, slow down the corrosion processes of reinforcing steel used in concrete caused by high chloride content.
It is also used in the preparation of
grouting cements, which are intended for cementing oil wells, in the preparation of technological solutions used in the repair of gas wells, including drilling fluids.
Calcium nitrate is used in pyrotechnics, as it is one of the constituent elements of explosives. True, its use due to strong hygroscopicity is somewhat limited.
Calcium nitrate It is also widely used in the production of reagents, dry mortar, fiberglass and building materials.