Calcium nitrate, also known by the traditional names "calcium nitrate", "lime or calcium nitrate", is an inorganic s alt of nitric acid, which is a colorless cubic crystals. The compound has a high degree of hygroscopicity. The density of the compound is 2.36 g/cm³, its melting point is 561°C, its boiling point is 151°C. Under normal storage conditions, it is non-flammable and explosion-proof. 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 absorbing nitrogen oxides with milk of lime or by exposing limestone to HNO3. Granular calcium nitrate is obtained by low-temperature neutralization of HNO3 with natural limestone.
Calcium nitrate is a universal physiological alkaline fertilizer suitable for soils with low calcium content. Calcium nitrate is suitable for all soils. Its use is especially appropriate on acidified, sandy,alkaline soils. Calcium is necessary for the he althy 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 products, prolongs their shelf life. It is also used to prevent diseases provoked by a lack of calcium (core or top rot, marginal leaf burn, and others). The fertilizer is applied in liquid form. For hydroponic systems, calcium nitrate is the only way to get water-soluble calcium.
Obtaining compounds in the form of granules and crystals has significantly expanded the scope of its application. Granular calcium nitrate is non-caking, non-hygroscopic, easy to use.
Crystalline calcium nitrate is widely used in construction and industry. It is a complex additive introduced into concrete and building mortars in order to improve their properties during the construction of monolithic reinforced concrete and concrete structures. These compounds are used as concrete hardening accelerators. They increase the water resistance class of concrete, increase its 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 concrete shrinkage and cracking, slow down the corrosion processes of reinforcing steel used in concrete, caused by an increased content of chlorides.
He alsoused in the preparation of oil well 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 is somewhat limited due to its strong hygroscopicity.
Calcium nitrate is also widely used in the production of chemicals, dry mortars, fiberglass and building materials.
