Antimony
A lustrous, brittle grey metalloid primarily used as an alloying agent to harden lead and as a chemical synergist in flame retardants.
Overview
Antimony is a critical raw material in the automotive sector, valued for its ability to significantly increase the hardness and mechanical strength of lead-acid battery grids. Beyond battery applications, antimony trioxide is a vital component in flame-retardant systems for vehicle interior plastics, textiles, and cable insulation. It is also utilized in friction materials for brake pads to improve thermal stability and wear resistance. Due to its concentrated supply chain and high industrial importance, it is frequently classified as a strategic mineral by major economies.
Automotive Applications
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Properties
Category
Type
Metalloid
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Hardening agent for lead alloys
- Flame retardant synergist
- High corrosion resistance
- Low thermal conductivity
- Brittle nature
- Expansion upon solidification
Technical Specifications
Density
6.68 g/cm³
Tensile Strength
11 MPa (pure state)
Temperature Resistance
Up to 630°C
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
Extraction and processing carry significant environmental risks due to toxicity and heavy metal runoff, but it is effectively recycled within the closed-loop lead-acid battery industry.