In the evolving landscape of chemical additives, Calcium Formate (CAS No. 544-17-2) has emerged as a critical, multi-functional compound, indispensable to modern construction, animal nutrition, and leather tanning industries. As a leading manufacturer, YAGUAN is committed to delivering not just a product, but a comprehensive solution built on expertise, quality, and trust. This guide delves into every facet of Calcium Formate, from its molecular advantages to real-world applications, showcasing why our product stands as the industry benchmark.
Industry Trends & The Rising Demand for Calcium Formate
The global demand for Calcium Formate is on an upward trajectory, driven by two primary sectors: construction and animal feed. Market analysis indicates a projected CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030. In construction, the push for rapid infrastructure development and the need for durable, high-performance building materials have made it a go-to setting accelerator for concrete and mortars. In the animal feed industry, the global move away from antibiotic growth promoters has elevated the importance of organic acid salts like Calcium Formate for gut health and preservation.
Global Calcium Formate Application Breakdown (Estimate)
Impact on Concrete Setting Time
Illustrative data showing setting time reduction at 20°C.
Technical Deep Dive: YAGUAN's High-Performance Calcium Formate
Understanding the technical specifications is crucial for selecting the right grade of Calcium Formate. At YAGUAN, we provide full transparency on our product parameters, ensuring our clients receive a product that meets and exceeds international standards like ISO 9001 and FAMI-QS for feed applications. Our material is a non-toxic, free-flowing white crystalline powder with excellent solubility and stability.
YAGUAN's premium Calcium Formate, ready for global distribution.
Product Specification Sheet: Calcium Formate (Industrial & Feed Grade)
| Parameter | Industrial Grade | Feed Grade | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White Crystalline Powder | Visual | |
| Purity (Assay) | ≥ 98.0% | ≥ 98.0% | Titration |
| Calcium (Ca) Content | ≥ 30.5% | ≥ 30.1% | Complexometric Titration |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 1.0% | Karl Fischer |
| pH (10% Solution) | 6.5 - 8.0 | 6.0 - 7.5 | Potentiometry |
| Bulk Density (g/L) | 900 - 1000 | Gravimetric | |
| Arsenic (As) | N/A | ≤ 3 ppm | AAS/ICP-MS |
| Lead (Pb) | N/A | ≤ 5 ppm | AAS/ICP-MS |
| CAS Number | 544-17-2 | - | |
| Chemical Formula | Ca(HCOO)₂ | - | |
The YAGUAN Advantage: A Superior Manufacturing Process
The quality of Calcium Formate is directly linked to its manufacturing process. Unlike simple mixing, our production involves a sophisticated chemical synthesis that ensures high purity, consistent particle size, and minimal impurities. This commitment to process excellence is what sets YAGUAN apart.
Our Step-by-Step Synthesis & Quality Control
1. Raw Material Sourcing
High-purity Formic Acid & Calcium Carbonate/Hydroxide.
2. Controlled Reaction
Synthesis in glass-lined reactors under precise temperature and pH control.
3. Crystallization
Cooling crystallization to form uniform crystals, dictating flowability.
4. Centrifugation & Drying
Separating solid crystals and drying to achieve
5. QC & Packaging
Final testing against specifications (ISO, FAMI-QS) and secure packaging.
This meticulous process guarantees a product with exceptional performance. The use of advanced CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is not applicable here as it relates to machining, but our process is governed by equally precise digital control systems (DCS) that monitor and adjust reaction parameters in real-time. Our adherence to ISO 9001 standards ensures every batch is traceable and consistent.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory ensures every batch of Calcium Formate meets stringent quality standards.
Core Technical Advantages & Competitor Analysis
Choosing YAGUAN's Calcium Formate provides tangible benefits that translate to superior end-product quality and cost-effectiveness for our clients. We don't just sell a chemical; we provide a performance-enhancing tool.
- High Purity (≥98%): Ensures maximum efficiency as a setting accelerator or preservative, with no unwanted side reactions from impurities.
- Optimal Particle Size: Guarantees rapid and complete dissolution in water-based systems like concrete, mortars, and feed premixes, preventing clumping.
- Low Chloride Content: Critically important in construction, our product is virtually chloride-free, preventing the corrosion of steel rebar—a major advantage over traditional chloride-based accelerators.
- Excellent Stability: With a long shelf life (typically 2 years under proper storage), our Calcium Formate maintains its efficacy, reducing waste and inventory management costs.
- Eco-Friendly Profile: It is biodegradable and does not pose a significant environmental risk, aligning with modern green building and sustainable agriculture standards.
YAGUAN vs. Generic Competitors: A Performance Snapshot
Diverse Applications Across Key Industries
The versatility of Calcium Formate allows it to be a problem-solver in multiple sectors.
Improving efficiency on a construction site with Calcium Formate enhanced mortar.
1. Construction Industry (Cement & Mortar Additive)
As a non-corrosive setting accelerator, it's a superior alternative to calcium chloride. It accelerates the hydration of tricalcium silicate (C3S) in cement, reducing the initial and final setting times. This is especially valuable for:
- Cold Weather Concreting: Counteracts the retarding effect of low temperatures, allowing construction schedules to be maintained.
- Tile Adhesives & Grouts: Provides rapid strength development, preventing tile slippage and allowing for faster grouting.
- Precast Concrete: Speeds up production cycles by allowing for earlier demolding of elements.
- Energy Savings: Faster setting can reduce the need for prolonged heating in curing processes.
2. Animal Feed Industry
In animal nutrition, particularly for piglets and poultry, feed-grade Calcium Formate acts as a preservative and a source of digestible calcium. Its primary functions are:
- Gut Health Acidifier: Lowers the pH in the gastrointestinal tract, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella while promoting beneficial flora.
- Growth Promoter: Improved gut health leads to better nutrient absorption and feed conversion rates, as cited in studies by institutions like the FDA and EFSA on organic acid efficacy.
- Mold Inhibitor: The formate ion has antimicrobial properties that help preserve the feed, extending its shelf life.
3. Leather Tanning
In the leather industry, Calcium Formate is used in the chrome tanning process. It acts as a masking agent, raising the pH of the chrome liquor more slowly and uniformly than other chemicals. This leads to a more efficient and deeper penetration of chromium into the leather, resulting in a higher quality, more durable final product.
Customized Solutions & Client Success: A Case Study
We believe in partnerships, not just transactions. Our technical team works with clients to develop customized solutions. This could mean advising on the optimal dosage for a specific concrete mix design or creating a special grade with a specific particle size distribution for a sensitive application.
Our extensive inventory ensures reliable and timely delivery of Calcium Formate for projects of any scale.
Case Study: Accelerating a High-Rise Construction Project in Southeast Asia
Challenge: The client was facing significant project delays due to the slow curing time of their precast concrete panels, exacerbated by high ambient humidity which retarded cement hydration. Their existing accelerator was causing efflorescence (white salt deposits) on the panel surfaces.
Solution: The YAGUAN technical team analyzed their cement type and aggregate data. We recommended switching to our Industrial Grade Calcium Formate at a precise dosage of 0.9% by cement weight. Our high-purity, low-impurity product was designed to accelerate setting without contributing to efflorescence.
Results:
- 35% Reduction in Demolding Time: Production cycle time per panel was reduced from 18 hours to under 12 hours.
- Elimination of Efflorescence: The high purity of our product resolved the surface quality issues, reducing rework costs.
- Increased Early Strength: The 24-hour compressive strength of the concrete increased by 25%, improving structural integrity and site safety.
- Client Feedback: "YAGUAN's Calcium Formate and their technical support were game-changers. We not only got back on schedule but also improved our final product quality. They are a true partner." - Project Manager
Trust & Transparency: Quality Assurance, Logistics, and Support
Trust is the foundation of our business. We demonstrate this through unwavering commitment to quality, transparent processes, and robust customer support.
- Certifications: Our manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management. Our feed grade products comply with FAMI-QS, the global quality and safety system for specialty feed ingredients.
- Delivery & Logistics: With a global logistics network, we ensure a reliable supply chain. Typical delivery lead times range from 7-15 days, depending on the destination. Products are shipped in durable 25kg multi-layer paper bags or 1000kg bulk bags.
- Warranty & Quality Promise: We guarantee that every batch of Calcium Formate meets the specifications outlined in the Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with each shipment. We offer a 24-month shelf-life warranty under recommended storage conditions.
- Customer Support: Our dedicated team is available to provide technical data sheets (TDS), material safety data sheets (MSDS), and expert advice on application and dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Calcium Formate
The core chemical, Ca(HCOO)₂, is the same. The primary difference lies in the level of purity and the control of specific impurities. Feed Grade Calcium Formate undergoes more stringent testing to ensure extremely low levels of heavy metals like lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), as these are harmful to animals. The manufacturing process for feed grade may also involve specific steps to ensure it meets food safety standards like FAMI-QS or FDA guidelines. Industrial grade is perfectly suitable for construction, but it should never be used in animal feed.
Calcium Formate works through a dual-action mechanism. Firstly, the calcium ions (Ca²⁺) increase the saturation of calcium hydroxide in the mix, which accelerates the precipitation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel—the primary binder in concrete. Secondly, the formate ions (HCOO⁻) promote the hydration of tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and tricalcium silicate (C3S), the two most reactive components in Portland cement, leading to faster initial set and early strength development.
The optimal dosage depends on several factors, including ambient temperature, cement type, and desired setting time. However, a general guideline for Calcium Formate in dry-mix mortars and tile adhesives is between 0.5% and 1.5% by total dry weight. We always recommend conducting preliminary tests with your specific formulation to determine the ideal dosage for your application. Our technical team can assist in this process.
No, it is widely recognized as a non-corrosive setting accelerator. Unlike calcium chloride (CaCl₂), which introduces chloride ions that aggressively attack the passive layer on steel rebar and cause severe corrosion, Calcium Formate does not contain chlorides. This makes it the ideal choice for reinforced and pre-stressed concrete applications where long-term durability is essential.
YAGUAN's Calcium Formate has a guaranteed shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly. It should be kept in its original, unopened packaging in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Although it is not highly hygroscopic, keeping it sealed prevents caking and preserves its free-flowing properties.
Yes, Calcium Formate shows excellent compatibility with most common concrete admixtures, including polycarboxylate-ether (PCE) based superplasticizers, air-entraining agents, and retarders. When used with superplasticizers, it helps offset any potential retarding effect from the plasticizer while maintaining high workability. However, it is always best practice to test the specific combination of admixtures before large-scale use to ensure there are no adverse interactions.
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) Registry Number for Calcium Formate is 544-17-2. This unique numerical identifier is assigned to every chemical substance and is used globally by scientists, industries, and regulatory bodies to avoid confusion that can arise from different chemical names or formulas. Using the CAS number ensures you are referencing the exact chemical compound in technical documents, safety sheets, and purchase orders.
References & Further Reading
- Heikal, M., et al. (2000). "Accelerating and hardening characteristics of calcium formate and calcium chloride in blended cement." Cement and Concrete Research, 30(2), 183-191. View on ScienceDirect
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). "Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of formic acid, ammonium formate, sodium formate and calcium formate as feed additives for all animal species." EFSA Journal, 2012;10(1):2523. View on Wiley Online Library
- Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). MasterFormat Division 03 - Concrete. Admixture specifications and standards. Visit CSI Resources
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