Iron hydroxide oxide

Iron hydroxide oxide (CAS 20344-49-4), also known as ferric oxyhydroxide, is an inorganic iron compound used primarily as a coagulant and flocculant in industrial water and wastewater treatment. It functions by binding suspended solids, heavy metals, and phosphates, enabling their removal from process streams. In municipal and industrial water treatment, it is applied to remove arsenic and lead.

The compound is effective at removing other heavy metal contaminants from drinking water and effluent streams. Mining operations use it to treat acid mine drainage, where it precipitates dissolved metals. This process occurs before discharge or water reuse to ensure environmental compliance. Pulp and paper mills incorporate it into effluent treatment systems to reduce color, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand.

It also serves corrosion inhibition applications where a stable iron oxide barrier layer is required on metal surfaces. This protection is vital for maintaining the integrity of various types of process equipment. Iron hydroxide oxide is supplied as a powder or as a wet paste, depending on the intended dosing method. Technical grade is the standard offering for industrial water treatment and mining applications.

Particle size and surface area specifications may vary by supplier to meet specific needs. These parameters directly affect adsorption performance in treatment systems and overall chemical efficiency.