- Calcium formate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula Ca(HCOO)₂, composed of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and formate anions (HCOO⁻). It appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water and exhibits mild acidity.
- Calcium formate is commonly produced as a byproduct during the manufacture of trimethylolpropane or through the neutralization of formic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. It is valued for its versatility, environmental friendliness, and safety, and finds applications in construction, animal nutrition, de-icing, and chemical processing.
- In the construction industry, calcium formate is primarily used as an accelerator for cement and concrete. It speeds up the hydration of cement, promoting early strength development and allowing faster construction, especially in cold weather conditions where standard setting times are delayed. This property makes it a valuable additive in quick-setting mortars, tile adhesives, and self-leveling floor compounds. Unlike other accelerators such as calcium chloride, calcium formate does not cause corrosion of steel reinforcement, making it a safer alternative in reinforced concrete structures.
- Another important application of calcium formate is in animal nutrition, particularly in pig and poultry feed. It serves as a feed additive and preservative, improving gut health by lowering pH in the gastrointestinal tract and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. This acidification effect promotes better nutrient absorption and enhances overall growth performance in livestock. Calcium formate also acts as a source of calcium and energy (via formate metabolism), and is approved for use in animal feed in many regions, including the EU.
- Calcium formate is also used in de-icing and anti-freeze formulations. Due to its relatively low corrosiveness and environmental impact compared to traditional salts like sodium chloride or calcium chloride, it is used in sensitive areas such as airport runways, where metal corrosion and vegetation damage must be minimized. Additionally, it is employed in leather tanning, where it helps stabilize chromium in tanning baths and improve leather quality by regulating pH during processing.
- In chemical and industrial processes, calcium formate can act as a buffering agent, preservative, or reducing agent. It is sometimes used in the production of formic acid, and its mild acidity and stability make it suitable for various niche applications in manufacturing and formulation chemistry.
