Calcium Formate CAS 544-17-2

Introduction to Calcium Formate

Calcium Formate is the calcium salt of formic acid, containing approximately 30% elemental calcium and 69% formate. In the gastrointestinal tract of monogastric animals (pigs, poultry), it dissociates to release formic acid, lowering gut pH, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella), and improving nutrient digestibility. In the construction industry, it acts as a highly effective early-strength accelerator and set accelerator for cementitious materials, particularly in cold-weather concreting and dry-mix mortars (like tile adhesives and plasters). Crucially, it is non-corrosive to metal reinforcement, unlike calcium chloride.

The material is highly stable, non-hygroscopic under normal conditions, and exhibits excellent flowability for automated micro-ingredient dosing systems. The critical storage parameter is moisture control; while it is less hygroscopic than calcium chloride, prolonged exposure to high humidity can cause caking in bulk bags, disrupting automated silo discharge.

Key Features of Calcium Formate

• Dual-action feed acidifier. Lowers gastric pH and provides highly absorbable organic calcium, improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) and reducing post-weaning diarrhea in piglets without the corrosive handling risks of liquid formic acid.
• Rapid cement acceleration. Speeds up the hydration of tricalcium silicate (C3S), significantly increasing early compressive strength (1-day and 3-day) of mortars and concrete without compromising long-term durability.
• Non-corrosive to steel rebar. Unlike calcium chloride, it does not promote the corrosion of steel reinforcement, making it completely safe and compliant for structural reinforced concrete applications.
• Excellent flowability and solubility. Free-flowing crystalline powder that dissolves rapidly in water, ensuring uniform blending in dry-mix feed premixes and automated construction mortar plants.
• Eco-friendly silage preservative. Lowers pH in forage silage rapidly, preventing clostridial fermentation and preserving protein and sugar content for dairy and beef cattle.

Calcium Formate Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Calcium Formate

Animal Feed Additive (Swine & Poultry): Added at 1.0–1.5% in piglet creep feed and weaner diets to lower stomach pH, activate pepsin, and inhibit enteric pathogens. Improves daily weight gain and drastically reduces post-weaning scours, serving as a core component in antibiotic-free (ABF) feed programs.

Construction and Dry-Mix Mortars: Dosed at 0.5–2.0% by weight of cement in tile adhesives, wall putties, and self-leveling compounds. Accelerates initial set and early strength development, allowing faster walk-on times and reducing winter freezing risks. In summer, dosage must be reduced or balanced with retarders to maintain open time.

Leather Tanning: Used as a masking agent and basifying agent in chrome tanning processes. Promotes uniform penetration of chromium salts into the hide, resulting in softer, more pliable leather with higher shrinkage temperatures and reduced chrome waste in the effluent.

Silage and Forage Preservation: Applied at 2–5 kg per ton of fresh forage during ensiling. Rapidly drops pH below 4.5, inhibiting spoilage bacteria and preserving nutritional value, dry matter intake, and palatability for ruminants.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Calcium Formate

• Storage: Store in original PP woven bags or jumbo bags in a cool, dry warehouse below 35 °C (95 °F). Protect from moisture. Although mildly hygroscopic, prolonged exposure to high humidity (> 80% RH) can cause caking. Reseal opened bags tightly to maintain flowability.
• Safety: Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Mildly irritating to eyes and respiratory tract in dust form. Wear standard N95 dust masks, safety goggles, and gloves during bulk handling and bag dumping. In case of eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes.
• Transport: Calcium Formate is Non-DG under IATA/IMDG/ADR. No UN number, no packing group. Standard dry cargo transport is acceptable. Avoid stacking jumbo bags more than two high to prevent compaction and liner rupture.
• QC note: Verify calcium content (≥ 30.0%) and loss on drying (≤ 1.0%) upon receipt. Test a 10% aqueous solution for pH (6.5–7.5) and check for insoluble matter to ensure purity and compatibility with your mortar or feed formulations.

Calcium Formate FAQ

Q: How does Calcium Formate compare to Calcium Chloride in concrete acceleration?

A: Calcium chloride causes severe corrosion of steel rebar and is strictly banned in reinforced concrete. Calcium Formate accelerates set and early strength without causing rebar corrosion, making it the safe, code-compliant alternative for structural applications and steel-reinforced mortars.

Q: Can it replace antibiotics in piglet feed?

A: Yes, it is a cornerstone of antibiotic-free (ABF) feed programs. By lowering gut pH and exerting direct bacteriostatic effects on Gram-negative bacteria, it significantly reduces post-weaning diarrhea, often allowing complete removal of in-feed antibiotics when combined with other organic acids and probiotics.

Q: Why is my dry-mix mortar setting too fast in summer when using this product?

A: Calcium Formate is a powerful accelerator, and its reaction kinetics are amplified in high ambient temperatures (> 30 °C / 86 °F). Reduce the dosage by 20–30% or blend with a retarder (like citric acid or sodium gluconate) to maintain optimal open time and workability during summer months.