BEIJING (Asian Metal) 24 Dec 08- Manganese flakes market is quiet this week at the back of poor demand, due to the fact that most market participants have gone on Christmas and New Year holidays. However, offers are still firming and at the moment in the range of USD2, 750-2,900/t in warehouse Rotterdam for manganese flakes.
A market participant in Europe though did not make any sales this week; said manganese metal price is firming despite the quiet market and no deal. He said offers now is around USD2, 750/t in warehouse Rotterdam for flakes and said materials are available in Europe, but with actual situation of things will be known in January when people are back from holidays.
Another participant in Europe said there is nothing new on manganese metal market, enquiries are few and market generally is slow at the moment. He said manganese flakes price is firming at the back of offers from China and at the moment around USD2, 900/t in warehouse Rotterdam.
AA third participant in Europe also confirmed manganese flakes price is increasing and that at the moment the market is silent, due to Christmas and New Year holidays. He said consumers are paying around USD3, 000/t d.d.p. for manganese flakes, but demand is very scanty and everyone is waiting for the market to reopen January.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
European Mn metal offers up
BEIJING (Asian Metal) 19 Dec 08- Manganese metal this week has raised at the back of high offers from Chinese suppliers. The offers for flakes have gone up to around USD2, 800/t CIF Rotterdam, but sources claimed there is no actual deal concluded at such a high level, except for lumpy. European market is generally quiet at the moment because most foundries and steel mills are already on Christmas vacation.
A trader source in Europe said he received enquiry for hundreds of tons of manganese lumpy and he was offered by his Chinese suppliers at around USD2, 350/t CIF Rotterdam, end of last week but two days later he was told the offer was no longer workable. The offer was raised to USD2, 850/t CIF Rotterdam, delivery in December and the contract was signed yesterday.
Another trader source informed that manganese metal market is absolutely quiet and prices are going up from China but there is no single enquiry this week on his side. He has received offer as high as USD2, 800/t CIF Rotterdam from his Chinese suppliers, but thinks is absolutely ridiculous in view that what is happening in Europe as prices are in the range of USD2, 500-2,600/t d.d.p. customer, with 30days payment terms. "It is not sensible to purchase material at the moment; we will wait till end of January as some still have stock," the source said.
Meanwhile, manganese lumpy was offered to the source from China this yesterday at around USD2, 910/t CIF Rotterdam, shipment end of December or beginning of January, but said cannot buy because there is no enquiry.
A trader source in Europe said he received enquiry for hundreds of tons of manganese lumpy and he was offered by his Chinese suppliers at around USD2, 350/t CIF Rotterdam, end of last week but two days later he was told the offer was no longer workable. The offer was raised to USD2, 850/t CIF Rotterdam, delivery in December and the contract was signed yesterday.
Another trader source informed that manganese metal market is absolutely quiet and prices are going up from China but there is no single enquiry this week on his side. He has received offer as high as USD2, 800/t CIF Rotterdam from his Chinese suppliers, but thinks is absolutely ridiculous in view that what is happening in Europe as prices are in the range of USD2, 500-2,600/t d.d.p. customer, with 30days payment terms. "It is not sensible to purchase material at the moment; we will wait till end of January as some still have stock," the source said.
Meanwhile, manganese lumpy was offered to the source from China this yesterday at around USD2, 910/t CIF Rotterdam, shipment end of December or beginning of January, but said cannot buy because there is no enquiry.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Zinc Hydroxystannate ZHS
Zinc Hydroxystannate ZHS
General Analysis:
Tin (Sn): 41.5 +/- 1.0%
Zinc (Zn): 23.0 +/- 1.0%
Appearance: White powder
Applications:
- Flame retardant and smoke suppressant
- Rigid and flexible PVC, Polyester resins, Alkyd resin paints, PVC plastisol coatings
- Chlorinated rubbers, Polyamides, Epoxy resins and EVA co polymer
Packaging Options:
- 25 kg bags
- Special packaging upon request
Zinc stannate/zinc hydroxystannate heat-stabilized chloropolymers
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to novel compositions of matter based on chlorine-containing polymer and comprising an effective stabilizing amount of a zinc stannate and/or zinc hydroxystannate.
This invention also relates to the use of the zinc stannates and/or zinc hydroxystannates as heat stabilizers for chlorine-containing polymers.
The chlorine-containing polymers to which the present invention relates are, in particular, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), which is the most significant commercially; poly(vinylidene chloride); copolymers predominantly comprised of vinyl chloride recurring units prepared from vinyl chloride and other monomers copolymerizable therewith; and mixtures of polymers or copolymers, a predominant proportion of which is derived from vinyl chloride.
In general, any type of PVC is suitable, whatever the process for the preparation thereof - bulk polymerization, suspension polymerization, dispersion polymerization or any other type--and whatever its intrinsic viscosity.
The homopolymers of vinyl chloride may also be chemically modified, for example by chlorination.
Numerous copolymers of vinyl chloride may also be stabilized against the adverse effects of heat, namely, yellowing and degradation. These are, notably, the copolymers prepared by copolymerization of vinyl chloride with other olefinically unsaturated comonomers copolymerizable therewith, such as, for example, vinyl acetate or vinylidene chloride; maleic or fumaric acids or their esters; olefins, such as ethylene, propylene and hexane; acrylic or methacrylic esters; styrene; and vinyl ethers such as vinyl dodecyl ether.
These copolymers typically contain at least 50% by weight of vinyl chloride recurring units and preferably at least 80% by weight of vinyl chloride recurring units.
The compositions according to the invention may also comprise mixtures based on chlorine-containing polymers containing minor amounts of other polymers, such as halogenated polyolefins or acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymers.
PVC, whether alone or in admixture with other polymers, is the primary chlorine-containing polymer comprising the compositions of the present invention.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known to this art that the conversion of chlorine-containing polymers, and more particularly of PVC, at elevated temperatures cannot be accomplished without the addition of heat stabilizers thereto.
Indeed, if the chlorine-containing polymer is heated to processing temperatures, objectionable coloration appears which alter its appearance, an important characteristic for numerous applications.
This disadvantage is overcome by incorporating therein stabilizers essentially consisting of metal or organometallic compounds adopted, in particular, to absorb the hydrochloric acid produced by the degradation of the polymer.
These heat stabilizers are essentially organic derivatives of zinc or cadmium in combination with organic derivatives of calcium, barium or magnesium.
They may be accompanied by other compounds, typically designated "costabilizers" or "secondary stabilizers", the purpose of which is to supplement and intensify their effect, in particular as regards the appearance characteristics of the final product.
This is the case with mixed metal systems based on derivatives of cadmium and barium, or of zinc and barium, or of zinc and calcium, which have to be accompanied by costabilizers such as epoxide compounds, organic phosphites, dihydropyridines and/or betadiketones.
Among these metal systems, those which include cadmium derivatives are becoming less and less used, because of the deleterious effects of cadmium.
The formulations of chlorine-containing polymers containing combinations of organic derivatives of zinc and barium, or organic derivatives of zinc and calcium, with organic costabilizers, are typically suitable for such applications as, for example, the production of shaped transparent rigid bottles or films for exterior use.
However, in certain instances--severity of the conditions of thermodynamic conversion, intrinsic instability of certain such polymers--it is necessary to increase the effectiveness of the customary stabilizers insofar as the appearance of the final product is concerned, and especially the permanence of this effectiveness, when the thermal stresses are intensified and prolonged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a major object of the present invention is the provision of improvedly heat-stabilized compositions based on chlorine-containing polymers, more particularly based on PVC, such improved compositions comprising an effective heat-stabilizing amount of a zinc stannate and/or a zinc hydroxystannate in combination with a typical organometallic stabilizer and organic costabilizer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
More particularly according to the present invention, the subject heat-stabilized compositions based on a chlorine-containing polymer advantageously comprise (i) at least one organozinc compound, (ii) at least one organocalcium, organobarium, organomagnesium or organolanthanide compound, (iii) at least one organic secondary stabilizer comprising a beta-ketoaldehyde, a beta-diketone, a 1,4-dihydropyridine monomer or polymer, a beta-ketoester, a beta-aminocrotonic ester, a mercaptocarboxylic ester or an alpha-phenylindole, and (iv) at least one zinc stannate and/or zinc hydroxystannate.
The organozinc compounds are advantageously the zinc carboxylates and zinc phenolates.
Particularly exemplary thereof are, for example, the zinc salts of maleic, acetic, diacetic, propionic, hexanoic, octanoic, 2-ethylhexanoic, decanoic, undecanoic, lauric, myristic, palmitric, stearic, oleic, ricinoleic, behenic, hydroxystearic, hydroxyundecanoic, benzoic, phenylacetic, para-tert-butylbenzoic butylbenzoic and of salicylic acids; and zinc phenolates of phenol and of phenols substituted by one or more alkyl radicals, such as the nonylphenols.
For practical purposes or for economic reasons, zinc propionate, zinc octanoate, zinc 2-ethylhexanoate, zinc laurate, zinc stearate, zinc oleate, zinc ricinoleate, zinc benzoate, zinc para-tert-butylbenzoate, zinc salicylate, zinc mono(2-ethylhexyl) maleate and zinc nonylphenates are the preferred.
In general, the organozinc compounds constitute from 0.0054 to 1% by weight relative to the chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably from 0.01% to 0.6% by weight.
The organic compounds of calcium, magnesium, barium and the lanthanides are preferably the carboxylates and the phenolates of these metals.
Particularly exemplary are, for example, the calcium, magnesium, barium and lanthanide salts of maleic, acetic, diacetic, propionic, hexanoic, octanoic, 2-ethylhexanoic, decanoic, undecanoic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, ricinoleic, behenic, hydroxystearic, hydroxyundecanoic, benzoic, phenylacetic, para-tert-butylbenzoic and salicylic acid; and the calcium, magnesium, barium and lanthanide phenolates of phenol and of phenols substituted by one or more alkyl radicals, such as the nonylphenols.
For practical purposes or for economic reasons, the following are the preferred organic compounds of calcium, magnesium, barium and the lanthanides: the propionic, octanoic, 2-ethylhexanoic, lauric, stearic, oleic, ricinoleic, benzoic, para-tert-butylbenzoic and salicylic acid salts, and the mono(2-ethylhexyl) maleate and the nonylphenates of these metals.
Typically, the organic calcium, magnesium, barium and lanthanide compounds constitute from 0.005% to 5% by weight relative to the weight of the chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably from 0.02% to 2% by weight.
For food-contact applications and especially for PVC bottles, organic calcium compounds or mixtures of organic calcium compounds/organic magnesium compounds are used.
Among the organic secondary stabilizers, the β-diketones or β-ketoaldehydes are very particularly effective.
These β-diketones have been described, in particular, in FR-2,292,227, FR-2,324,681, FR-2,351,149, FR-2,352,025, FR-2,383,988 and FR-2,456,132 and in EP-0,040,286 and EP-0,046,161.
Particularly exemplary such 0-diketones include benzoylstearoylmethane, dibenzoylmethane, benzoylacetone, lauroylacetone, decanoylacetone, benzoyl-3-methylbutanoylmethane, methoxycarbonylbenzoylbenzoylmethanes, and such bis-β-diketones as 1,4-bis(acetylaceto)butane, 1,8bis(benzoylaceto)octane and 1,4-bis(acetylaceto)benzene.
The β-diketones generally constitute from 0.005% to 5% by weight relative to the weight of the chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably from 0.01% to 2% by weight.
The 1,4-dihydropyridines are also useful organic stabilizers in the compositions of the invention.
Particularly exemplary thereof are 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethylpyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate monomers, such as those described in FR-A-2,239,496, FR-A-2,405,974 and FR-A-2,405,937, or polymers, such as described in EP-A-286,887.
Usually, these 1,4-dihydropyridines are effective in concentrations of 0.01% to 5% by weight relative to the weight of chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably 0.05% to 2% weight/weight.
Beta-diketones or beta-ketoaldehydes may be used conjointly with the 1,4-dihydropyridines. The overall amounts of these mixtures of compounds are then those indicated, respectively, for each of them.
Among the other organic stabilizers which may be incorporated into the compositions according to the invention, the following are exemplary:
(a) beta-keto esters and more particularly ketoacetic acid esters, as described, in particular, in FR-A-1,435,882 and U.S. Patent No. 2,669,548;
(b) 2-phenylindole and derivatives thereof, such as those described in FR-A-2,273,841, FR-A-2,275,461 and FR-A-2,313,422;
(c) beta-aminocrotonic esters, more particularly long-chain alkyl beta-aminocrotonates, typically C 12 to C 20 alkyl beta-aminocrotonates, and thioalkylene glycol beta-aminocrotonates; and
(d) mercaptocarboxylic acid esters and, more particularly, thioglycolic acid esters, such as those described in FR-A-2,459,816; thiomalic acid diesters, such as those described in EP-A-0,090,748; and 2-mercaptopropionic acid esters, such as those described in FR-A-2,552,440.
The organic stabilizers indicated above constitute from 0.01% to 5% by weight relative to the weight of the chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably from 0.05% to 2% weight/weight.
The zinc stannates and zinc hydroxystannates are more particularly zinc mestastannate ZnSnO3, zinc orthostannate Zn 2 O 4 Sn and z inc hydroxystannate ZnSn (OH) 6 .
These compounds are per se known to this art. Particularly compare P. Pascal, Nouveau Traite de Chimie Minerale (New Treatise on Inorganic Chemistry), volume VIII, for techniques for the preparation thereof.
These formulae are generally accepted, but there may be discrepancies among various authors, in particular with regard to the hydroxystannate, which is sometimes represented as zinc metastannate trihydrate: ZnSnO 3 .3H 2 O.
Zinc metastannate and zinc hydroxystannate are the preferred for incorporation into the compositions according to the invention.
The zinc stannate and/or zinc hydroxystannate typically constitute from 0.01% to 5% by weight relative to the weight of chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably from 0.05 to 34 weight/weight.
For conversion into bottles, in particular water bottles, the preferred amount of zinc stannate and/or zinc hydroxystannate ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% weight/weight of chlorine-containing polymer (PVC).
Other than their function as heat costabilizers according to the present invention, zinc stannates and zinc hydroxystannate serve a known flameproofing function. It is therefore possible to significantly increase the amounts of these compounds in the PVC if it is desired to impart the dual effect of heat stabilization and flameproofing.
The compositions of the invention may contain other secondary heat stabilizers, which may be inorganic, such as, in particular, hydrotalcites and dawsonite, or organic, such as, in particular, polyols and phosphites.
Hydrotalcites are alkaline mixed magnesium aluminum carbonates or sulfates. The hydrotalcites described in FR-A-2,483,934 are particularly suitable.
Dawsonite is a basic aluminum sodium carbonate. It is a carbonate in monoclinic crystalline form which is generally represented by the formula NaAl(OH) 2 CO 3 . It is described, in particular, in the general publications on inorganic chemistry, such as, for example, P. Pascal, Nouveau Traite de Chimie Minerale (New Treatise on Inorganic Chemistry), volume II.
These inorganic stabilizers are typically present in an amount from 0% to 5% by weight relative to the chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably from 0.02% to 2%.
The polyols typically provide the advantage of prolonging the lifetime of chlorine-containing polymers subjected to a heat treatment.
Generally, it is preferable that the polyols used should have a boiling point higher than 150° C. and preferably higher than 170° C., because of the downstream processing of the chlorine-containing polymers at high temperature.
Exemplary such polyols include the triols, such as trimethylolpropane, glycerol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol and trishydroxyethyl isocyanurate; tetrols, such as pentaerythritol and diglycerol; pentitols, such as xylitol and tetramethylolcyclohexanol; hexitols, such as mannitol, sorbitol and dipentaerythritol; polyols which are partially esterified with a carboxylic acid and which contain at least 3 free hydroxyl groups; and polyvinyl alcohols, in particular those in which less than 30 mol% of ester groups remain, relative to the sum of their ester and hydroxyl groups.
The preferred polyols include xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, trimethylolpropane, tetramethylolcyclohexanol and the polyvinyl alcohols defined above.
When present in the compositions of the invention, in general from 0.0054 to it by weight of polyol, relative to the chlorine-containing polymer, and preferably from 0.014 to 0.6% by weight, is incorporated.
The compositions according to the invention may also contain organic phosphites, in particular aliphatic phosphites or aromatic phosphites, or mixed aliphatic and aromatic phosphites.
If it is present, the phosphite typically represents from 0.05% to 5% by weight relative to the chlorine-containing polymer and preferably from 0.1% to 2% by weight.
The compositions according to the invention may also contain the customary additives and adjuvants, such as phenolic antioxidants; or anti-UV agents, such as benzophenones, benzotriazoles or sterically hindered amines (generally designated as HALS).
The compositions of the invention may also contain epoxides, in particular epoxidized polyglycerides, such as epoxidized soya oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized fish oils or expoxidized tall oil.
However, in order to prevent a lowering of the viscosity index of the chlorine-containing polymer, such oils are generally used in as small an amount as possible, depending on the intended final application of the compositions.
Usually, if they are present, the epoxides represent from 0.054 to 5% by weight relative to the weight of the chlorine-containing polymer, and more specifically from 0.1% to 2% by weight.
The compositions of the invention may be rigid formulations, namely, devoid of plasticizer, or semirigid formulations, namely, having reduced plasticizer contents, such as for applications in the construction industry or for the production of bottles.
They may also be plasticized formulations, such as for the production of films for agricultural use.
These plasticizers are known compounds, such as, for example, alkyl phthalates. The plasticizer most typically used is dioctyl phthalate.
If the compositions contain a plasticizer, the amount thereof generally ranges from 54 to 120% by weight relative to the weight of chlorine-containing polymer.
Customarily, the incorporation of the various stabilizers or adjuvants is carried out on the chlorine-containing polymer in the pulverulent state.
It is of course possible to prepare a mixture of two or more constituents forming part of the compositions according to the invention before they are incorporated into the chlorine-containing polymer.
Any of the usual techniques for the incorporation of the various stabilizers or adjuvants into the polymer may be used. For example, the homogenization of the polymer composition may be carried out in a kneader or on a roll mill, at a temperature such that the composition becomes fluid, usually ranging from 150° C. to 200° C. in the case of PVC, and for a sufficient time, on the order of a few minutes to a few tens of minutes.
The chlorine-containing polymer, and more particularly PVC, compositions may be processed by any of the techniques typically employed in this art, such as, for example, extrusion, injection, blown film extrusion, calendering or rotational molding.
In order to further illustrate the present invention and the advantages thereof, the following specific examples are given, it being understood that same are intended only as illustrative and in nowise limitative.
EXAMPLES
The following formulations were prepared:
| ______________________________________ |
| (i) pulverulent PVC prepared by 100 g suspension polymerization, having a viscosity index of 70 (K value = 57): (ii) impact strength improver (methyl 8 g methacrylate/butadiene/styrene copolymer): (iii) lubricant based on rosin ester 2.05 g (E wax) (iv) epoxidized soya oil: 5 g (v) zinc octanoate see Table (Zn 2-ethylhexanoate): (vi) calcium stearate: 0.2 g (vii) stearoylbenzoylmethane 0.25 g (viii) Zn mestastannate or Zn see Table hydroxystannate: |
| ______________________________________ |
The PVC and the various additives were premixed at ambient temperature in a high-speed mixer.
The time necessary to achieve good homogenization was about 5 min.
The homogeneous mixtures thus obtained were introduced into a plastograph (manufactured by BRABENDER) consisting of a heated vessel in which the blades counter-rotated in order to knead the polymer and the additives.
The vessel contained 32 g of composition; the temperature was maintained at 180° C. and the speed of rotation of the blades was 60 revolutions/min.
Samples were withdrawn after kneading under these conditions at 5 min, 10 min and 15 min and the color of the withdrawn samples was measured and is expressed as yellowness index, in accordance with ASTM Standard D 1925 (the higher the value of this index, the greater the coloration of the sample).
Hot kneading of each composition was continued until the PVC was entirely degraded and assumed a carbonaceous appearance (carbonization).
The effectiveness of the stabilizers was thus evaluated by:
(a) the coloration (measured as yellowness index) observed on the first sample withdrawn,
(b) the level of stability of the coloration of the subsequent samples withdrawn, and
(c) the time required to reach the carbonization state.
The following Table reports the values of the yellowness index and the carbonization time for the formulations, specifying the amount of Zn metastannate, Zn hydroxystannate and Zn octanoate contained therein.
Zambian mine stops cobalt production
Zambia's largest cobalt producer Chambishi Metals plc has stopped production of the metal because lower copper and cobalt prices mean it is not viable, the southern African country's mines minister said.
However, Maxwell Mwale said the government was assessing options to ensure the troubled Luanshya copper mine does not shut its underground Baluba copper mine and will provide fresh investment to shore up the company.
"The smelter at Chambishi has been shut down because the high costs of production are not economical at the current copper and cobalt prices, but underground operations at Luanshya mine have continued and as government we want this to continue," Mr Mwale said.
LCM operates Chambishi as well as the Baluba copper mine. – Mining Journal
Niobium prices and demand remain strong in face of economic maelstrom
• Benchmark ferro-niobium contract prices increase to US$43-46/kg
• Niobium raw material (columbite) spot price stable at ~US$20/lb
• Industry leader to increase FeNb production capacity to 150,000tpa by 2013, from 85,000tpa currently
Globe Metals & Mining's Managing Director, Mr. Mark Sumich, has recently returned from Shanghai, China where he attended the TIC Conference (Tantalum-Niobium International Study Centre), being the annual industry gathering of member organisations (www.tanb.org).
The dominant theme from the Conference was the overwhelming demand for niobium raw materials and end products, which shows no signs of abating in the foreseeable future, notwithstanding the global economic crisis.
Mr. Mark Sumich said "we are enormously encouraged by the positive sentiment for niobium at the TIC Conference. Both prices and demand for all niobium products remain strong, and there was considerable interest in the niobium to be sourced from Globe's Kanyika Project in central Malawi."
Globe's main focus is the multi-commodity (niobium, uranium, tantalum and zircon) Kanyika Project in central Malawi, which contains a 56Mt inferred JORC resource, announced in March 2008. Niobium is the primary commodity at Kanyika. A Pre-Feasibility Study was commissioned in September 2008 and production is planned to commence in 2011.
Ferro-Niobium (FeNb) Price
The price of benchmark Brazilian contract FeNb for Q4 2008 was recently increased to US$43-46/kg (Nb metal content(1)), up from US$41/kg in the previous quarter(2). Ninety five percent of FeNb is sold under contract, with the balance on the spot market.
Price stability has historically been a feature of the contract FeNb price, which has added to the product's overall attractiveness.
Columbite Price
Spot prices for columbite (min. 50% Nb205 and min. 5% Ta205) remain stable at ~US$20/lb CPO (combined niobium and tantalum pentoxides)(3). Columbite is a source of niobium and tantalum raw material that, once concentrated, is sold to downstream processors for production of high-purity oxides, metals and alloys.
The price of niobium raw material to be produced from Kanyika (min. 50% Nb205 and ~3% Ta205) will be derived from the columbite price.
The effective price used in Globe's Scoping Study was significantly lower than the current spot price, being US$12/lb CPO (US$10/lb Nb205 and US$45/lb Ta205, at an average Nb205:Ta205 ratio of 23:1)(4).
CBMM Capacity Expansion
Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM), the dominant supplier of FeNb, announced at the TIC its plans to increase its production of FeNb from 85,000tpa currently in 2008, to 100,000tpa in 2009 and 150,000tpa in 20135.
This considerable investment in capacity underlines the steel industry's appetite for niobium, and the growth in niobium consumption which historically has been significantly in excess of overall steel consumption(6):
2002-2007 CAGR
FeNb Steel
World 21% 8%
Ex-China 16% 3%
Tantalum Price
Spot prices for tantalum raw material (min. 30% Ta205) remain stable at ~US$45/lb(7).
The industry's leading supplier of tantalum raw materials, Talison Minerals, is reported to be seeking price increases in the order of 80% above the current contract prices from its customers, which, if obtained, would result in a contract price of ~US$100/lb. It is expected that a price increase of this magnitude would also substantially increase the spot price of tantalum raw material, albeit at a level below the Talison Minerals contract price(8).
Raw material sold from Kanyika would obtain a tantalum credit.
Actual quantities of vanadium supplied and consumed in Japan for first half 2008
The actual quantities of vanadium supplied and consumed in Japan for the first half (January – June) of 2008 were traced and the contents were as per the table attached hereto. The base to demand vanadium in Japan is the production of special steels and the special steel industry of Japan produced 13.742 million tons of special steels in the first half of 2008, which increased by 4.5% compared with that (13.143 million tons) in the same period of 2007 and indicated a vivid production activity. Accordingly, the actual quantity of vanadium consumed in Japan for the first half of 2008 had a substantial increase of 22.9% compared to that for the same period of 2007 and also the imports of ferro-vanadium into Japan in the first half of 2008 had a considerable increase of 30.7% compared with that in the same period of 2007. Needless to say, the quantity of ferro-vanadium produced in Japan for the first half of 2008 had increased by 12.5% on material base in comparison with that for the same period of 2007.
Namely, Japan consumed 4,633 tons in material of ferro-vanadium in the first half of 2008 (compared with 3,768 tons consumed in the same period of 2007) and also imported 3,460 tons in material of ferro-vanadium in the first half of 2008 (compared to 2,646 tons imported in the same period of 2007). In addition, Japan produced 1,940 tons in material of ferro-vanadium in the first half of 2008, which were compared with that (1,724 tons) produced in the same period of 2007.
However, Japan imported 1,208 tons in material of vanadium pentoxide, as raw material for production of ferro-vanadium, in the first half of 2008, which decreased by 11.6% compared to that (1,366 tons) in the same period of 2007.
For a reference, the market price of ferro-vanadium has also fallen since the beginning of October of 2008 and come down to a level of US$35 – 38 per kg. of V, having broken the line of US$40, in the middle of October. The price of ferro-vanadium in 2008 once rose to a level of US$85 – 87 per kg. of V in May to June but, in comparison with this steeply risen price of ferro-vanadium, the current price of this ferr-alloy has fallen to the half. Since the companies to produce vanadium have been limited in the world, a fall of price for ferro-vanadium is not so large as that of molybdenum (fallen to 1/3 of the peak) but, in view of the matter which the consumers concerned are anticipated to hold back their purchase of ferro-vanadium for a long period, the market price of ferro-vanadium will incline to fall further and gradually toward the end of this year. – TEX Report
Chilean November molybdenum exports down by 50% YoY
Platts reported that the value of Chile's exports of ferromolybdenum and molybdenum halved in November 2008, dropping 49.9% YoY to USD 179 million from USD 357.3 million in the same month of last year.
The figures reflect the sharp drop in international molybdenum prices which have fallen to less than USD 10 per kilogram, from more than USD 30 per kilogram just a few weeks ago, and lower production from Chile's large copper mines, several of which produce the minor metal as a byproduct.
Molybdenum production to October 30th 2008 totaled 27,341 tonnes, down by 26.2% YoY from the same period of last year.
Exports for the first 11 months of 2008 were valued at USD 3.221 billion, down by 7% YoY from USD 3.467 billion in the same period of last year. Chile is one of the world's leading molybdenum producers. – Steel Guru
Friday, December 19, 2008
Manganese Nitride
Manganese Nitride
Product Description
Spec:
Mn 88% min N 7% min
C 0.05% max S 0.05% max
P 0.01% max Si 1.0% max
Fe 0.50% max
Size: 28mm*33mm*55mm.
manganese briquettes
I specialized in manganese products business, we have our own factories with total capacity of 30,000 metric tons of manganese mtal flakes, we produce manganese metal lumpy and low carbon ferronmanganese, manganese nitride , ferromanganese nitride , manganese metal briquettes, most of our products are for exporting. our products list as follows:
Product 1 :Low Carbon Ferromanganese
Spec: Mn: 80%min C:0.50%max S:0.05%max P:0.05%max Si:1.2%max
Size: 10-50MM 90%min
Packing: In big bags of 1MT net each
Product 2: Ferromanganese Nitride
Specs: MN 73%MIN, C 0.50%MAX, P 0.05%MAX, S 0.05%MAX, N 6-7%MIN, SI 1-1.8%MAX Size: in Briquette 10-50MM, 90%Min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 3: Electrolytic Manganese Metal FlakeSpec: Mn 99.7%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.005%max, C 0.04%max, Fe+Se+Si 0.205%max
Size: in flakes
Packing: in 1MT big bags or in steel drums
Product 4: Electrolytic Manganese Metal Flake
Spec: MN 99.9%MIN, C 0.02%MAX, S 0.04%MAX, P 0.002%MAX, FE 0.01%MAX, SE 0.0005%MAX, SI: 0.02%MAX
Size: in flakes
Packing: In big bags of 1MT met each
Product 5: Manganese Nitride in FlakeSpecs: MN 87-92%MIN, C 0.1%MAX, P 0.05%MAX, S 0.05%MAX, N 6-8%MIN, SI 1%MAX
Size：In flakes
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 6: Manganese Metal Lump
Typical Spec: Mn 95-97%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.05%max, C 0.10%max, Si 1.0%max, Fe 4.0%max
Typical size: 10-50mm, 90% min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 7: Manganese Briquettes
Typical Spec: Mn 95-97%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.05%max, C 0.10%max, Si 1.0%max, Fe 4.0%max
Typical size: 30x35x50 MM, 90% min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 8: Manganese Nitride in BriquettesSpecs: MN 87-88%MIN, C 0.1%MAX, P 0.05%MAX, S 0.05%MAX, N 4- 7%MIN, SI 1.0%MAXSize: in Briquette 10-50MM, 90%Min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 9: Manganese Metal PowderSpec: Mn 99.7%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.005%max, C 0.04%max, Fe+Se+Si 0.205%max
Typical size: + 40mesh 1%max, -325mesh 15%max
Packing: in 500kgs steel drums on pallet
The above products are widely used in steel industry. Should you have any enquiry, please feel free to contact me, we will be very glad to make offers to you at any time.
Product 1 :Low Carbon Ferromanganese
Spec: Mn: 80%min C:0.50%max S:0.05%max P:0.05%max Si:1.2%max
Size: 10-50MM 90%min
Packing: In big bags of 1MT net each
Product 2: Ferromanganese Nitride
Specs: MN 73%MIN, C 0.50%MAX, P 0.05%MAX, S 0.05%MAX, N 6-7%MIN, SI 1-1.8%MAX Size: in Briquette 10-50MM, 90%Min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 3: Electrolytic Manganese Metal FlakeSpec: Mn 99.7%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.005%max, C 0.04%max, Fe+Se+Si 0.205%max
Size: in flakes
Packing: in 1MT big bags or in steel drums
Product 4: Electrolytic Manganese Metal Flake
Spec: MN 99.9%MIN, C 0.02%MAX, S 0.04%MAX, P 0.002%MAX, FE 0.01%MAX, SE 0.0005%MAX, SI: 0.02%MAX
Size: in flakes
Packing: In big bags of 1MT met each
Product 5: Manganese Nitride in FlakeSpecs: MN 87-92%MIN, C 0.1%MAX, P 0.05%MAX, S 0.05%MAX, N 6-8%MIN, SI 1%MAX
Size：In flakes
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 6: Manganese Metal Lump
Typical Spec: Mn 95-97%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.05%max, C 0.10%max, Si 1.0%max, Fe 4.0%max
Typical size: 10-50mm, 90% min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 7: Manganese Briquettes
Typical Spec: Mn 95-97%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.05%max, C 0.10%max, Si 1.0%max, Fe 4.0%max
Typical size: 30x35x50 MM, 90% min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 8: Manganese Nitride in BriquettesSpecs: MN 87-88%MIN, C 0.1%MAX, P 0.05%MAX, S 0.05%MAX, N 4- 7%MIN, SI 1.0%MAXSize: in Briquette 10-50MM, 90%Min
Packing: in big bags of 1MT net each
Product 9: Manganese Metal PowderSpec: Mn 99.7%min, S 0.05%max, P 0.005%max, C 0.04%max, Fe+Se+Si 0.205%max
Typical size: + 40mesh 1%max, -325mesh 15%max
Packing: in 500kgs steel drums on pallet
The above products are widely used in steel industry. Should you have any enquiry, please feel free to contact me, we will be very glad to make offers to you at any time.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Red Phosphorus Flame-retardant Masterbatch
red phosphorus flame-retardant masterbatch can be used in engineering Plastics: PA6，PA66，PBT，PET，PC，MC nylon
High Properties
1. Good effectiveness for flame retardants (FR) => UL94V-0, low product density
2. Little inferior effect on physical properties of base polymer
3. High Tracking-Index Value
Good Stability
1. Inorganic FR, non volatile up to 300°C. Thermal stable at the processing temperature used for engineering plastics, i.e. ≥220°C for PA6, ≥260°C for PA66
2. Non-migration, no blooming, low solubility in water
3. Less smoke rate
4. Non corrosive, stabilized RPM series provide moisture resistance, no phosphoric acid produced.
5. Stable production line can provide continuous and uniform products.
Good Safety
1. No HCl, HBr gas produced at fire. No Cd, Hg, Cr+6, less Pb
2. Non toxicity, minimized phosphine
3. Safety and no danger when use and transport, fire temperature more than 320°C
4. Master batch shows more advantages in use, no dust pollution
Method of using:
Generally, drying is not required before processing, can be mixed with resin and different kinds of processing agents. If it is wet during transportation, the drying should be done for 4-6 hours before usage.
Packaging, Storage and transportation:
1. The masterbatche is packaged by two-layer bag, 25 KG per package.
2. To store two years in cool and dry conditions.
3. Transported as safety goods.
High Properties
1. Good effectiveness for flame retardants (FR) => UL94V-0, low product density
2. Little inferior effect on physical properties of base polymer
3. High Tracking-Index Value
Good Stability
1. Inorganic FR, non volatile up to 300°C. Thermal stable at the processing temperature used for engineering plastics, i.e. ≥220°C for PA6, ≥260°C for PA66
2. Non-migration, no blooming, low solubility in water
3. Less smoke rate
4. Non corrosive, stabilized RPM series provide moisture resistance, no phosphoric acid produced.
5. Stable production line can provide continuous and uniform products.
Good Safety
1. No HCl, HBr gas produced at fire. No Cd, Hg, Cr+6, less Pb
2. Non toxicity, minimized phosphine
3. Safety and no danger when use and transport, fire temperature more than 320°C
4. Master batch shows more advantages in use, no dust pollution
Method of using:
Generally, drying is not required before processing, can be mixed with resin and different kinds of processing agents. If it is wet during transportation, the drying should be done for 4-6 hours before usage.
Packaging, Storage and transportation:
1. The masterbatche is packaged by two-layer bag, 25 KG per package.
2. To store two years in cool and dry conditions.
3. Transported as safety goods.
ALUMINIUM TRIHYDRATE
ALUMINIUM TRIHYDRATE
ATH - Filler with an attitudeIt is a primary ingredient in most solid surface materials, accounting for as much as 70% of the total product.
| SPECIFICATION OF ALUMINIUM TRIHYDRATE | |
| Al2O3 | 64.7% |
| Fe2O3 | 0.0205% MAX |
| SiO2 | 0.025% MAX |
| Na2O (TOTAL) | 0.35% MAX |
| Al(OH)3 | 99.8% MAX |
| Sp gravity | 2.4 g/cc |
| LOD at 1100C | 0.4% MAX |
| Loss on ignition at 10500C | 34% |
| Residue on 325 Mesh | NIL |
| Average Particle Size | Varies as per grades |
| * Note : We have different grades, uncoated and coated, with different average particle size varying from 2 microns to 10 microns as per application. | |
Physical Properties
|
Aluminum Trihydrate is used in various industries as:
- A raw material in the production of aluminum chemicals.
- A raw material in the manufacture of glass and glazes.
- A raw material in catalyst production.
- A flame retardant and smoke suppressant filler in plastics (for example: Cables, rubber products and carpet backing).
- A raw material for fertilizers, and fiber cement board products.
- An extender and bodying agent in paper, solvent- and water-borne paints, UV curable coatings, inks, and adhesives.
- A polishing and cleansing agent, mould wash and separating agent.
- A filler of cast polymer products such as onyx and solid surfaces.
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium Hydroxide
| Items | Specification |
| Mg(OH)2 | >=97% |
| H2O+ | 28% |
| CaO | 0.5% Max. |
| MnO | 0.01% Max |
| CuO | 0.006% Max |
| Fe2O3 | 0.3% Max |
| Whiteness | 93% min. |
| Organic Coating | <=3% |
| Ph | About 9.5 |
| Moisture | 0.5% max. |
| Density | 2.3 |
Advantage: Initial dehydration temperature is 340°C, suitable for high temperature process of the flame – retardant rubber and plastic. The effectiveness of flame – retardant and smoke suppressant is better than Aluminum Hydroxide. It also has strong reinforcement due to high fineness & the surface is coated specially.
Usage : Widely used for flame – retardant rubber and plastic products that must be lower halogen, non-halogen, low – smoking. Also can be sued in thermoplastic & elostmers such as EVA, EPDM, PVC, PE, PP resins etc.
Flame Retardants
Flame Retardant are substances that can be chemically inserted into the polymer molecule or be physically blended in polymers after polymerization to suppress, reduce, delay or modify the propagation of a flame through a plastic materials. There are several classes of flame retardants; Halogenated Hydrocarbons (Chlorine and Bromine containing compounds and reactive flame retardants), Inorganic flame retardants ( Boron compounds, Antimony oxides, Aluminium Hydroxide, molybdenum compounds, zinc and magnesium oxides ), Phosphorous containing compounds (Organic phosphate esters, phosphates, halogenated phosphorus compounds and inorganic phosphorus containing salts).
| Inorganic
| Antimony compounds
| Boron compounds
|
| Other metal compounds
| Phosphorus compounds
| Inorganic flame retardants
|
| Halogenated organic
| Chlorinated
| Organophosphoros
|
| Polyols
| Halogenated phosphates
| Nitrogen -based
|
MOLYBDENUM TRIOXIDE
| SPECIFICATION OF MOLYBDENUM TRIOXIDE | |
| MOLYBDENUM (Mo) | 66.4% MIN |
| ASSAY AS (Mo O3) | 99.5% MIN |
| ALKALIES (Na + K) | 0.02% MAX |
| COPPER (Cu) | 0.02% MAX |
| IRON (Fe) | 0.02% MAX |
| SILICON (Si) | 0.01% MAX |
| WATER (H2O) | 0.02% MAX |
| Residue on 325 Mesh | NIL |
General Information
- Synonyms: Molybdenum oxide
- CAS No.: 1313-27-5
- Molecular Weight: 143.94
- Molecular Formula: MoO3
- Usage: Molybdenum trioxide is used in manufacturing molybdenum metal, alloy, catalysts and pigments.
- Appearance: White crystal or powder
ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE
Antimony trioxide is produced from stibnite ores (antimony trisulfide) or as a by-product of lead smelting and production. It is used mainly in fire-retardant formulations for plastics, rubbers, textiles, paper and paints.
It is also used as an additive in glass and ceramic products and as a catalyst in the chemical industry. Occupational exposure may occur during mining, processing and smelting of antimony ores, in glass and ceramics production, and during the manufacture and use of products containing antimony trioxide.
Features
It is also used as an additive in glass and ceramic products and as a catalyst in the chemical industry. Occupational exposure may occur during mining, processing and smelting of antimony ores, in glass and ceramics production, and during the manufacture and use of products containing antimony trioxide.
| SPECIFICATION OF ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE | |
| Sb2O3 | 99.5% MIN |
| Al2O3 /As | 0.06% MAX |
| PbO/Pb | 0.1% MAX |
| Fe2O3 /Fe | 0.006% MAX |
| Cu | 0.002% MAX |
| Se | 0.005% MAX |
| Whiteness | 95% MIN |
Features
- In flame retarding thermoplastics, the synergistic action between halogenated flame retardants and antimony trioxide is well known in the plastic industry.
- The Izod impact strength and translucency are two key properties that are diminished because of the particle size and pigmentation strength of antimony trioxide.
- The loss in translucency limits the range of available color choices because of the high loading required to offset the tinting effect of antimony trioxide.
Low-smoke Halogen-free Flame Retardant Master-batches
Low-smoke Halogen-free Flame Retardant Master-batches-FR-GML-1 Type, FR-GML-2 Type
Our company recently developed FR-GML Type of low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant mater-batches. It is a kind of master-batches flame retardant produced with Magnesium Hydroxide as main flame retardant compounded with high-effective flame retardant initiator and synergist. FR-GML flame retardant master-batches is quite different from the traditional one, developed on the base of environmental protection, low-smoke, innoxious magnesium hydroxide, this kind of flame retardant could fit breadth of processing temperature, which greatly strengthens its adoptability to polymer materials of high processing temperature. Meanwhile, it could strengthen the thermal stability of flame retardant polymer materials, decrease burning smoke generation and improve the performance of polymer materials like mechanical strength.
FR-GML-1 Type flame retardant master-batches is a common type and the oxygen index could reach 27%-33% with appropriate addition.
FR-GML-2 type flame retardant master-batches is a kind of high-effective flame retardant material. The oxygen index of the material could reach 35%-45% after addition of the master-batches. Customers could choose accordingly.
The flame retardant efficiency to polymer material of fill flame retardant represented by Magnesium Hydroxide and Alum Hydroxide is comparatively low, while FR-GML type flame retardant master-batches challenges the low flame retardant efficiency of the fill flame retardant and marched out an essential step to the fill flame retardant properties of low-filling and high flame retardant efficiency. FR-GML is trying to produce satisfying flame retardant effect required by polymer materials with possibly less filling quantity with polymer material performance degrades as less as possible. Meanwhile, the compatibility of FR-GML and polymer material is quite positive, which minimize the degrading of polymer material performance and therefore widen the use span of the FR-GML flame retardant master-batches.
FR-GML flame retardant master-batches has properties of wide application scope, strong adoptability and user-friendly. It owns quite good flame retardant efficiency and compatibility to PE, PP, PA and PC. Its use quantity varies from 20% to 70%. Users could choose appropriate quantity according to the polymer materials, which needs to be retarded, to reach different flame retardant level.
Halogen-free Flame Retardant Cable Functional Master-batches
Halogen-free Flame Retardant Cable Functional Master-batches-FR-DML
FR-DML type halogen-free flame retardant cable functional master-batches is a new-type product developed with Magnesium Hydroxide as main flame retardant for manufacturers of halogen-free low-smoke flame retardant cable materials. It could reduce production difficulty and non-uniformity of material and strongly upgrade the maneuverability of the product on the premise of satisfying the performance index of halogen-free low-smoke flame retardant cable material. The development of the master-batches greatly facilitates cable material manufacturers.
FR-DML type halogen-free flame retardant cable functional master batch is quite user-friendly. Qualified cable material could be produced in double-screw from this product together with elastomer and polyethylene.
Halogen-free Flame Retardant Cable Functional Master- batches Components
| Material Index
Component | FR-DML | Elastomer | PE | Other Additives | Oxygen Index | Tensile Strength /MPa | Breaking Elongation Ratio /% |
| 1 | 50 | 40 | 10 | 0.5 | 30-33 | 9-11 | 120-220 |
Our Suggestion:
Ø The elastomer shall be EVA, POE and etc.
Ø PE shall be Linear Low Density Polyethylene, recommended type: 7047, LLDPE 0209
Ø Low viscosity polyethylene wax with molecular weight of 3000-4000 is recommended
Ø Recommended type of Anti-oxygen Agent: 1010.
Ø FR-DML type halogen flame retardant cable functional master-batches is in hoar particle, which could satisfy cable material demand on different colors. If the customer's product is black, 5%-15% FR-GML type flame retardant master-batches could be added instead of corresponding FR-DML type functional master-batches, the flame retardant performance will then be greatly improved and the oxygen index could reach 35% - 45%.
Ø FR-DML type halogen-free flame retardant cable functional master-batches could be used as flame retardant and reinforcing master-batches for polymer materials like LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, PP, PA, PC and etc, which could help polymer materials gain flame retardant and reinforcing effect. 
Magnesium Hydroxide Master batches
Magnesium HydroxideMaster-batches-FR-MHMLSeries
Magnesium Hydroxide master-batches is a kind of new-type environment-protection product with qualities of highly effective, halogen-free, low-smoke, which granulates the magnesium hydroxide powder. In the process of modification processing on granule polymer material, dust pollution could easily occur in the processing environment due to low liquidity and dispersibility when magnesium hydroxide is filled in polymer material as flame retardant and filling materials in the form of powder. This brought much inconvenience for product processing. To resolve the above problem, facilitate customers' use of magnesium hydroxide flame retardant, upgrade product quality and improve production environment, our company has developed a series of magnesium hydroxide flame retardant master-batches product.
Magnesium Hydroxide master-batches is a kind of Magnesium Hydroxide master-batches processed from magnesium hydroxide original powder and active powder of different particle by equipments like double screw with Polyvinyl base material as carrier.
Main Components:
| Material | Material Proportion |
| Polyethylene | 13.5% |
| Magnesium Hydroxide | 85% |
| Other Additive | 1.5% |
Our company could use different types of base materials as carrier for Magnesium Hydroxide according to customers' requirements. At present the carriers that passed corresponding test mainly include LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, PP and etc.
Customers could choose from varieties of magnesium hydroxide flame retardant master-batches processed by different surface modification materials according to their own demands. We could tailor products with our best effort upon customers' special request.
We have developed satisfying cable product with tensile strength of 10-12 Mpa, breaking elongation ratio of 150-400% and oxygen index of 33%-42% by combining FR-MHML master batch and FR-GML master batch. The total material cost is kept below 11,500 yuan/ton.
Our suggestion:
Ø Magnesium hydroxide master-batches is most suitable for double-screw, single-screw, planetary-screw, mixer, mill and etc, which will strengthen uniformity of the blend for polymer material modification processing and the use of magnesium hydroxide master-batches, meanwhile reduce environmental pollution and working intensity and greatly boost production rate.
Ø FR-MHML-GX product is suitable for flame retardant of Polyethylene Composite material such as cable material, aluminum-plastic composite panel core material and etc, which could improve the dynamic performance of the material like tensile strength, yielding quite good effect.
Ø FR-MHML-TX product is suitable for flame retardant of Polyethylene Composite material and rubber material, which helps to improve the dynamic performance like breaking elongation ratio of the material.
Ø FR-MHML-TX product is applicable for the flame retardant filling of rubber.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
OM Holdings to cut manganese production
OM Holdings Ltd will slash manganese production by about 30 per cent in 2009 in response to weak short-term demand for the steel-making input.
The miner expects to produce 500,000 tonnes of manganese next calendar year, down from an expected 690,000 tonnes in 2008, which is 10,000 tonnes short of its annual production target.
The company said it had suspended manganese shipments during October and November "to minimise exposure to discharge port stockpiling, provisional pricing and unnecessary counterparty and credit risks during the current period of weaker demand".
Chief executive Peter Toth said rebuilding stockpiles and other activities at the cashed-up company's Bootu Creek mine in the Northern Territory would position it to return to producing at least 700,000 tonnes per annum once market conditions improve.
Unlisted, Ukrainian-owned manganese miner Consolidated Minerals Ltd recently acquired an 11 per cent stake in OM Holdings and Mr Toth said he had been advised the investment was "financial in nature".
Shares in OM Holdings were up three cents, or 3.19 per cent, at 97 cents at 1200 AEDT. – Associated Press
China may buy steel for reserves, aid exports
China may take further measures to revive its steel industry, which is the world's biggest and could suffer an overall loss in the next half-year, the Minister of Industry and Information Technology said on Friday.
Chinese authorities are considering raising export tax rebates and buying some steel products for its reserves in an attempt to help the country's steel mills, Li Yizhong told a news conference in Beijing on Friday.
"We suggest the export rebates on several high-end steel products could be raised by several percentage points, while we restrict exports of some low end energy-intensive products," Li said. China has scrapped several steel export taxes from December.
Chinese officials have talked about buying commodities and resources, including base metals and crops, in order to support producers. But Li's remarks were the first indication that it could also build up reserves of steel, which was already seen as a major beneficiary of China's 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus package
Analysts have said building up stocks may give some support to prices in the short term, but the policy could also mean producers take longer to emerge from the current slump in demand, with a U-shaped recovery rather than a V-shaped bounce, since the government stocks may return to the market as prices recover.
The government could also tackle the current problem with policies to help enterprises store these extra products, or the government could purchase a certain amount so that production capacity does not stand idle, Li said.
China's top economic planning body, the National Reform and Development Commission, was working with other government authorities on the specific amounts and the method, he said.
Li said China's steelmaking capacity was 600 million tonnes, but this year the country's actual output was likely to be 480-490 million tonnes. He said 15 billion yuan ($2.19 billion) could used to support technical renovation next year, with the steel industry as the main beneficiary.
He said China could also increase imports of manganese and some other ferrous metals, such as chromium, when prices were low.
Li also said the government would adopt a preferential policy to encourage steel industry consolidation and seek more bargaining power in iron ore pricing by stopping steel mills from bidding each other up.
Li said China had purchased a huge amount of iron ore at a high prices, of which 30 million tonnes were stored in the steel mills, 90 million tonnes in port warehouses, and 100 million tonnes were booked but had not been delivered."Steel mills will take until March next year to absorb these high-price raw materials," Li said.
Chinese molybdenum concentrate prices firm up on tight supply
Platts reported that China's domestic molybdenum concentrate prices appear to have firmed up this week as supply continues to tighten. As per report Molybdenum concentrate prices were mostly heard between CNY 1,700 to CNY 1,900 per tonne up about CNY 100 to CNY 150 per tonne from the previous week.
Industry sources said that supply was tight as most mines in Huludao in China's Liaoning province had stopped production, as previous prices at CNY 1,500 to CNY1,700 per tonne were too close to their costs. In addition, sources said that it was hard to work in the cold winter weather.
Sources noted that owners had been selling from their current stockpiles. With mines closing and no replenishment of stockpiles in sight, supply has tightened.
As a result, Chinese domestic ferromolybdenum prices have continued to inch up with most indications ranging widely between CNY 130,000 per tonne and CNY 180,000 per tonne ex-plant, although no apparent increase in domestic demand was heard. Prices were heard below CNY 130,000 per tonne previously. Molybdenum concentrate is the raw material used to produce ferromolybdenum.
Chinese domestic molybdenum oxide prices also appeared to firmed up in view of limited molybdenum oxide with indications at CNY 1,950 to CNY 2,000 per tonne up about CNY 100 per tonne from the previous week.
Meanwhile, Chinese spot molybdenum oxide and ferromolybdenum export trade remained stuck in the doldrums due to an extreme lack of overseas buying interest in view of uncertainty over the worsening state of the global economy. – Steel Guru
Monday, December 15, 2008
Antimony ingot,Antimony Concentrate and Antimony Trioxide
We are selling Antimony products
If you want to buy Antimony Concentrate or Antimony Trioxide you are in the right place.
We are selling only high quality Antimony, with high Antimony content, low in impurities and free of any contamination.
Antimony Location: The Antimony mine is situated in the greenstone belt in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Antimony Brief History: Gold was discovered here towards the end of the nineteenth century, and was mined on a small scale for many years, with antimony as a by-product. Larger scale mining started in nineteen thirty seven and has continued without any marked interruption to date.
Antimony Brief Description: The Antimony mine can be classified as a medium-scale mine and has been in operation for nearly seventy four years. During this time it has always maintained an antimony ore reserve sufficient for six to seven years of production.
Products: Antimony and gold.
Antimony Mining Method: Antimony ore is mined by sub-level open stoping and is hoisted from six shafts and an open pit.
Antimony Reserves: As of this year, proved and probable antimony reserves amounted to one million seven hundred thousand tons.
Antimony Resources: As of this year, the remaining untapped antimony ore body is calculated at eight million five hundred thousand tons of antimony ore.
Antimony Geology: The greenstone belt in the Limpopo Province is an assemblage of ancient lavas and sediments dated at more than three billion years. The rocks are strongly sheared and strike with a vertical dip. The primary antimony ore is stibnite.
Antimony Major Infrastructure and Equipment: Once the antimony ore is crushed and milled, an antimony concentrate is produced by flotation. Part of the antimony concentrate is then reworked into antimony trioxide. Gold is recovered in a gravity circuit and a number of leach and carbon absorption stages. The antimony concentrate and antimony trioxide are dried and bagged.
Antimony Future Prospects: The antimony ore bodies continue at depth and, provided the markets remain strong, mining can continue below the current depths.
Antimony Unique Features: This is the oldest known antimony deposit in the world. The mine is also the only producer of antimony concentrate and antimony trioxide in South Africa, and contributes eight percent of world antimony production.
Antimony Marketing: The Business Zone acts as the selling arm for the antimony mine.
Antimony Exporting: Many countries and satisfied antimony references.
Antimony Production Volume per month: Antimony concentrate of eight hundred metric tons and Antimony trioxide of four hundred metric tons.
Antimony Laboratory Analysis: Typical laboratory analysis of our Antimony concentrate and Antimony trioxide:
| Element in Antimony | Antimony Concentrate | Antimony Trioxide |
| Sb% | 58-60 | 81-82 |
| S% | 24-26 | 0.1-0.2 |
| As% | 0.1-0.2 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Pb% | 0.1-0.2 | 0.1-0.2 |
| SIO2% | 5.0-5.8 | 1.0-3.0 |
| MgO% | 2.0-2.4 | 1.0-3.0 |
| FeO% | 2.0-5.0 | 1.0-2.0 |
| CaO% | 0.2-0.5 | 0.1-0.3 |
| Al2O% | 0.2-0.5 | 0.2-0.4 |
| H2O% | ≤0.2 | ≤0.1 |
| LOI% | 10 | 2 |
Antimony Uses: Antimony (Sb) ranges in colour from tin-white to a steel grey, is opaque, metallic and is also toxic. Antimony trioxide, today's most significant antimony compound, is employed as a flame retardant in textiles, plastics, adhesives and building materials. It is also used in semi-conductors for making infrared detectors, diodes and acoustic devices. Antimony is also used to increase the strength and hardness of lead. Antimony's economic ore mineral is stibnite (Sb2S3). Antimony is often found associated with sulphide minerals and is generally produced as a by-product of gold mining activities.
Antimony Producers: In nature, antimony has a strong affinity for sulphur and certain metals, including lead, silver and copper. China, Russia and South Africa are the world's major producers of antimony, with China producing more than fifty percent of world demand for antimony. Principal identified antimony world resources are in Bolivia, China, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa.
Antimony Substitutes: Compounds of chromium, tin, titanium, zinc, and zirconium substitute for antimony chemicals in paint, pigments and enamels. Combinations of cadmium, calcium, copper, selenium, strontium and tin can be used as antimony substitutes for hardening lead. Selected organic compounds and hydrated aluminium oxide are often used as accepted antimony substitutes for flame retardants.
Antimony New Use: Antimony has found a new use in the manufacture of DVD's in the United States, where Engineers recently made a breakthrough discovery.
Antimony Superior Quality: The fact that these antimony products from South Africa are free of contaminants, makes them superior at a premium, over Russian and Chinese ores.
Antimony News Snippet: There are hopes of recovery in the antimony market after Christmas. Affected in depth by the global financial crisis since the start of November, antimony prices have fallen sharply. Most domestic antimony ingot and antimony trioxide plants have ceased production for a while, due to the turnaround between supply and demand. Meanwhile, suppliers started lowering prices for their products.
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