Calcium formate is a calcium salt of formic acid with the chemical formula Ca(HCOO)2. It is a white crystalline powder that is used in various industrial and commercial applications. In this article, we will discuss some of the common uses of calcium formate.

1. Animal Feed Additive

Calcium formate is widely used as an animal feed additive due to its ability to improve the digestibility of feed and promote animal growth. It is also effective in preventing diseases in livestock such as swine dysentery, salmonellosis, and E. coli infections. The addition of calcium formate to animal feed helps to lower the pH of the digestive tract, which in turn enhances the absorption of nutrients.

2. Concrete Accelerator

Calcium formate is used as a concrete accelerator to speed up the curing process of concrete. It acts as a catalyst, accelerating the rate of the hydration reaction between cement and water. Calcium formate can be added to concrete mixes at various concentrations, depending on the desired setting time.

3. Tile Adhesive

Calcium formate is used as a key ingredient in tile adhesives to improve the adhesive properties of the mixture. It is particularly useful in the production of rapid-setting tile adhesives. The addition of calcium formate to tile adhesive formulations improves the wetting and spreading of the adhesive on the tile surface, resulting in a strong and durable bond.

4. Leather Tanning

Calcium formate is also used in leather tanning as a substitute for sodium formate. It is added to the tanning solution to help the hides absorb the tanning agents more effectively, resulting in a more even and consistent tanning. Additionally, calcium formate helps to improve the physical properties of the leather, such as its softness and durability.

5. Fertilizer

Calcium formate is an effective fertilizer additive due to its high calcium content. It can be used in both organic and inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility and promote plant growth. Calcium formate is particularly useful in alkaline soils, where other forms of calcium, such as calcium carbonate, are less effective.

6. De-icing Agent

Calcium formate is used as a de-icing agent for airport runways, highways, and sidewalks. It is an effective alternative to traditional de-icing agents such as sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. Calcium formate is less corrosive and less harmful to the environment than other de-icing agents. It also has a lower freezing point than water, making it effective in very cold temperatures.

7. Fire Retardant

Calcium formate is used as a fire retardant in the production of plastics and other materials. It is added to the material during the manufacturing process to improve its fire resistance properties. Calcium formate releases water when exposed to heat, which helps to cool the material and prevent it from igniting.

8. Oil and Gas Drilling

Calcium formate is also used in the oil and gas drilling industry as a shale stabilizer. It is added to drilling fluids to prevent the collapse of shale formations and to reduce the risk of wellbore instability. Calcium formate is effective in both freshwater and saltwater drilling fluids.

9. Food Additive

Calcium formate is used as a food additive in the production of some types of cheese. It is added to the cheese during the manufacturing process to help prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria and mold. Calcium formate is also used as a pH regulator in some food products.

10. Pharmaceutical Industry

Calcium formate is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in the production of some medications. It is added to drug formulations to improve their stability and solubility. Calcium formate is also used as a buffering agent in some pharmaceutical formulations to help maintain a consistent pH level.