When it comes to very versatile chemicals, very few come close to bromine compounds. This chemical stands out in that it is a front liner in many industrial processes. You might not have guessed it, but bromine sure plays a role in so many things we use in our daily lives.
What Are Bromine Compounds?
First and foremost, bromine compounds are exactly what they say they are — they are chemical substances that contain the element bromine. Bromine is an element, meaning it can’t be broken down further down the line. And it’s unique. At room temperature, bromine is a reddish-brownish liquid — not many of the Earth’s elements come in liquid form at room temperature, so that already sets it apart from other elements. In terms of its reactivity, its superpower, bromine can bond with a range of elements. That makes it pretty versatile, in and of itself, but bromine can also mix and match with a combination of other elements, making it incredibly valuable.
The leading supplier of bromine compounds is ICL Industrial Products. This trusted company is known industry-wide for the innovative compounds they produce. ICL offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to customers, as well as a reputation of product and brand trust that makes them a top choice for customers in the bromine compounds market. ICL can be found all over the world, providing the chemical industry with vital bromine-based products that improve safety, heighten productivity, and support sustainability measures in using bromine compounds for industrial uses everywhere.
Everyday Uses of Bromine Compounds
Bromine compounds are used in so many applications. Some we don’t even know of. Here are a few uses of bromine compounds that might surprise you:
Water Purification
Cooling tower water treatment is a process of using water treatments to purify water and remove harmful pests. Bromine is a very common element used in this process. There are a few reasons why that is so. Bromine compounds treat water to rid it of bacteria, including legionella. It is also relatively stable across heat gradients, providing an environment for efficacy within dissipated heat. Cost efficiency is also a significant factor. Bromine is relatively stable, yet cheap, making it low in cost for water treatments in cooling towers.
Agriculture
Pests are a persistent problem for farmers because they can reduce yields. Farmers use all kinds of methods to keep soil pests away from their crops. For example, farmers will often use soil fumigants to keep harmful pests away from their plants. When they are absorbed, the pest is killed by the fumigant. Bromine compounds are relatively inexpensive and farmers have been using these chemical agents to protect their plants from harmful soil pests for decades.
Flame Retardants
Well, obviously — bromine compounds are used as flame retardants and combustible materials, including plastics, textiles, and products like electronic devices and furniture, reducing their tendency to burn.
The Environmental Impact and Innovations
Like all chemical substances, bromine compounds have at times been the subject of environmental concerns. But advances in green chemistry have spawned a new generation of environmentally friendly bromine chemicals, designed to deliver the best of both worlds: effective performance and responsible environmental solutions. Companies like ICL Industrial Products are dedicating increased resources and inveterate research to developing safe and sustainable bromine-based solutions to address current and foreseeable human productivity requirements with a minimum impingement on the planet.