Calcium Oxide - Characteristics, Application, Production

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Calcium oxide

Calcium oxide (e529) is a food additive of the group of emulsifiers.

Characteristic

In appearance, calcium oxide is a solid hygroscopic mass or odorless white or grayish-white powder. The additive dissolves well in glycerin, does not dissolve in ethanol, and forms slaked lime when interacting with water.

Getting calcium oxide

Get the additive in several ways. The production of calcium oxide by thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate, limestone, as well as by thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide and calcium salts of oxygen-containing acids is widespread.

Application of calcium oxide

The properties of calcium oxide allow it to be used as a reagent and filler. It is used in the leather industry, to neutralize excess acid, in the oil refining industry in the production of additives to oils (sulfate, phenate, alkyl salicylate). In the chemical industry, the properties of calcium oxide are used in the production of calcium stearate.

The additive e529 in the food industry is used in the production of bakery products as an improver for flour and bread (the amount of additive is regulated by the technological instructions). Calcium oxide is one of the ingredients in complex bakery improvers. For yeast, the additive is a nutrient medium. In food bakery and confectionery products, e529 maintains a certain level of acidity.

In addition, e529 is used in the sugar industry as a flocculant, sorbent, clarifying and filtering material. E529 is used in the production of edible oils as a hydrogenation catalyst. Calcium oxide is used to treat the water used for the production of alcoholic beverages.

This chemical compound is indispensable for neutralizing acidic environments, in particular when discharging wastewater into water bodies. In agrochemistry, the substance is used to treat acidic soils, and in the production of edible and pharmacopoeial salt - to clean the brine from calcium and magnesium carbonates. In the petrochemical industry, calcium oxide is used in the production of grease and brake pads.

E529 is added in the manufacture of various dry mixes for finishing works, as well as in the production of ebonite. Calcium oxide is often added to mixtures to help control pests of various crops.

Effect on the human body

When working with calcium oxide, it is necessary to observe safety measures (wear glasses and protective gloves). In case of contact of a chemical compound on the skin or in the human body, the following consequences are possible: vitreous edema of the eyes, redness of the eyes, chemical burns, difficult healing wounds on the skin, burns of the esophagus or stomach. Conjunctivitis and dermatitis may occur.

In food products, e529 does not have a negative effect on human health. Clear standards have been established that control the amount of e529 additives in food, which guarantee its safety for humans.

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