Antimonycontaining

Antimony-containing refers to any chemical substance, material, or product that includes the element antimony (Sb) as part of its composition. Antimony is a metalloid that occurs in minerals such as stibnite (Sb2S3) and is valued for properties like hardness, stability, and catalytic activity.

In industry, antimony is used in several key ways. Lead–antimony alloys improve mechanical strength and creep resistance in batteries and bearing metals. Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) is widely used as a flame retardant synergist with halogenated compounds, helping to reduce flammability in plastics, textiles, and electronics. Antimony compounds also serve as stabilizers and catalysts in polymer and plastic production, and some antimony-containing materials are employed in electronics and optoelectronics, including certain semiconductors and chalcogenide materials.

Health, safety, and environmental considerations are central to handling antimony-containing substances. Some antimony compounds can be toxic with inhalation or ingestion and may cause irritation or more serious effects with chronic exposure. Proper labeling, protective measures, and regulatory compliance are important in workplaces and during manufacturing, use, and disposal. Recycling and proper waste management are common practices to recover antimony from spent products, particularly from lead-acid batteries and other Sb-containing components.

See also: antimony, stibnite.