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The main derivative of antimony metal is antimony trioxide. The many uses of this product include things as varied as a catalyst, an opacifier, a flame retardant synergist, a clarifying agent, or a white pigment. The industries that use antimony oxide are as varied as its applications. Plastics, textiles, glass, paint, and construction are just a few of the industries that use antimony.
Antimony oxide itself is not a flame retardant, but a flame retardant synergist. The antimony is paired with a halogenated compound which is the actual flame retardant. To achieve the same amount of fire protection you only need to use half as much halogen if you include the antimony synergist. Many different kinds of materials use the antimony/halogen combination for flame retardant additives. Some of the most common plastics are high impact polystyrene (HIPS), ethylene propylene diene M- class rubber (EPDM), polyethylene (PE), epoxies, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethanes, and phenolics. Plastics companies use many additives like halogen flame retardant in a variety of ways. Antimony trioxide is a white powder and is usually sold in multi walled paper bags or large super sacks. Other packaging options include drums or kegs. You will find that the halogen flame retardant is packaged the same way. If industrial hygiene is a concern, you can find some companies that will sell you a liquid dispersion that includes both already mixed in the right ratios.
Another use of antimony trioxide is as a clarifying agent for glass. Many glass manufacturers purchase ingredients in glass to help with the quality of their product. Clarifying agents are what makes it possible to have clear glass. The bubbles, inclusions, and colors that the glass maker does not want in the final product are removed by adding the antimony during the meltdown process. If there was no clarifying agent, the natural impurities in sand would turn glass light green or light blue. Antimony is widely considered a good choice because it does not react with ultraviolet light over time like some other clarifying agents. Other clarifying agents, like manganese oxide, will break down and turn the glass undesirable colors over time.
Antimony is also used as a catalyst in the polymerization of polyethylene terephthalate or PET.The polymerization of polyethylene terephthalate or PET requires a catalyst and antimony is used for that purpose as well. PET is what is used to make water bottles or other containers. The material used for this purpose in generally of a higher purity than the material used for flame retardant or glass clarifying applications. Many PET plants use antimony because it has a good cost to performance ratio. Other catalysts may work better than antimony but not enough because they are still too expensive.
One final use of antimony trioxide is as a pigment. The most common industries to use it for that purpose are the porcelain and enamel industries that use it as an opacifier. Companies can purchase antimony is many ways like as a high purity antimony trioxide catalyst and as a result it is used in many final products. No matter who you are or what you do, the chances of you coming in contact with a product that contains antimony or was made with antimony in the process are extremely high every day of your life.