Antimony

Antimony is a lustrous, silvery-gray metalloid that is primarily used in industrial applications due to its unique physical and chemical properties. It occupies a place in group 15 of the periodic table and exhibits characteristics of both metals and nonmetals. While antimony is relatively rare in the Earth’s crust, it has long been known and used by humans, with historical applications dating back to ancient civilizations where it was used in cosmetics and alloys. Antimony is a strategically important metalloid with diverse industrial applications ranging from flame retardants and batteries to electronics and glassmaking. Its unique properties make it indispensable in many manufacturing processes, although its use must be balanced with careful attention to health and environmental safety.

In its natural state, antimony occurs mainly as the sulfide mineral stibnite (Sb₂S₃), which is the primary source of commercial antimony. Other minor sources include oxides and mixed metal ores. Antimony is extracted through smelting or other refining methods that separate it from accompanying minerals. Most of the world’s antimony production comes from a few major mining countries, and the availability of antimony is closely linked to the supply of stibnite.

One of the most common uses of antimony is in the production of flame retardants. When combined with halogenated compounds, antimony trioxide acts as a synergist, enhancing the flame-retardant properties of materials such as plastics, textiles, rubber, and electronics. This makes antimony a vital component in fire safety applications across various industries, including construction, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Another significant use of antimony is in alloying with other metals, particularly lead. Lead-antimony alloys are valued for their increased hardness and mechanical strength. They are widely used in applications such as batteries, bullets, cable sheathing, and bearings. In lead-acid batteries, which are still prevalent in automotive and backup power systems, antimony strengthens the battery grids and improves their resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear.

Environmental concerns also arise from antimony’s potential for bioaccumulation and toxicity in ecosystems. Mining and smelting operations can release antimony into soil and water sources, affecting aquatic life and human populations dependent on these resources. As a result, ongoing research focuses on reducing antimony emissions, improving recycling techniques, and finding alternatives in flame retardants and other applications.