China and Germany are the leading exporters of barium sulfate, collectively accounting for a substantial share of global shipments, while the United States, India, and South Korea represent the largest importers. Barium sulfate prices have remained relatively stable amid consistent demand from drilling fluid and medical imaging sectors. Export volumes from China have edged upward over the past two years, while U.S. imports have shown modest growth, reflecting steady industrial uptake despite flat global trade expansion.
Barium sulfate is a white, odorless, crystalline solid that is non-volatile and highly insoluble in water and most organic solvents. It is an inorganic ionic compound composed of barium cations and sulfate anions. Its high density (≈4.5 g/cm³), chemical inertness, and radiopacity make it valuable in industrial and medical applications. It is widely used as a filler and pigment in paints, coatings, plastics, and printing inks, and serves as a weighting agent in oilfield drilling fluids. In the medical field, it functions as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging of the gastrointestinal tract.
Barium sulfate (BaSO4), as mentioned, is used in medicine as an opaque liquid medium to block X-rays when ingested, thus providing an image of ulcers and intestinal problems. It is also used in the manufacture of paints, rubber, and plastics.
This chemical is included in Fine Chemicals. See more about what is Barium sulfate and Barium sulfate SDS information.
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