Burnt lime

Burnt lime, also known as quicklime or calcium oxide, is a chemical compound with the formula CaO. It is a white, caustic, alkaline crystalline solid at room temperature. The broadly used term "lime" connotes calcium-containing inorganic materials, which include carbonate, oxide and hydroxide of calcium, known as limestone.

History

The use of burnt lime dates back to prehistoric times. It has been used for millennia in various cultures for construction and building materials, and also in agriculture.

Production

Burnt lime is produced by heating limestone in a process known as calcination to a temperature of 900°C - 1,100°C. This process drives off carbon dioxide, leaving behind quicklime.

Uses

Burnt lime has a wide range of uses. It is a key ingredient in cement, plaster, and many other building materials. It is also used in the production of steel and iron, where it acts as a flux to remove impurities. In agriculture, burnt lime is used to improve the pH of acidic soils in a process known as liming (soil). It is also used in water treatment to adjust the pH and soften water.

Safety

Burnt lime is highly reactive and can cause burns if it comes into contact with wet skin. It reacts vigorously with water, releasing heat in a process known as slaking. Therefore, it should be handled with care.

See also

• Lime (material)
• Calcium hydroxide
• Calcium carbonate

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