Cobalt Sulfate – Cobalt Sulfate Powder, Cobalt Pigment

Cobalt Sulfate

Cobalt sulfate is an inorganic chemical with the formula CoSO4 and appears like a red crystalline powder. It is considered as the sulfate sulfate of divalent cobalt. Cobalt Sulfate is soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and especially soluble in methanol. Cobalt sulfate is used the preparation of pigments, as well as in the manufacture of other cobalt sulfates. It forms by the reaction of metallic cobalt, its oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate with sulfuric acid. Cobalt sulfate for industrial use is produced by treating cobalt oxide with sulfuric acid. Cobalt is obtained from ores via the sulfate in some cases. There are various uses of cobalt sulfate given below:-

Industrial Uses of Cobalt Sulfate

• To make treated metals brighter, harder, smoother and more ductile cobalt sulfate is added to nickel plating baths. Cobalt sulfate helps to dry and fix inks on lithographic prints and also produces red tints in pottery and porcelain glazes.
• Cobalt sulfate is used in the preparation of pigments and also in the manufacture of other cobalt sulfates, so it is also known as cobalt pigment.
• Cobalt sulfate is used in storage batteries and electroplating baths, sympathetic inks.
• Cobalt sulfate is used as an additive in soils.

Cobalt Sulfate Uses in Food & Beverages and Drugs

• Cobalt sulfate is used in treating certain forms of anaemia.
• Cobalt sulfate was used in the beer to prolong the life of beer foam.
• Cobalt sulfate is included in the pet food to ensure that the animals get enough vitamin B12.

Health Risks Involved with Cobalt Sulfate

• Excess in eye and skin contact with cobalt sulfate can result in irritation, redness or rashes.
• Inhaling cobalt sulfate for an extended period can lead to poisoning or might cause cancer.
• Rapid inhalation of cobalt sulfate can cause coughing, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting.
• Chronic inhalation of cobalt sulfate causes irreversible blood thickening, enlarged heart pain and tingling and thyroid dysfunction.

In spite of several health risks involved with cobalt sulfate, it is highly used in industries, fertilizers and pet food industries. For more details about cobalt sulfate and cobalt sulfate powder, visit http://www.universalchemicals.in.