Common: Al2O3, B2O3, BaO, C, CaO, CO2, CoO, CrO3, Cu2O, CuO, Fe2O3, FeO, H2O, K2O, Li2O, LOI, MgO, MnO, MnO2, Na2O, NiO, O, Organics, P2O5, PbO, SiO2, SnO2, SO3, SO4, SrO, TiO2, V2O5, ZnO, ZrO, ZrO2, Others

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Bi2O3 (Bismuth Oxide)

Family:Other
Weight:465.960
Expansion:0.000
Fusion:820C

(Sources: Bismuth Nitrate)

-Melts at 820-860C

-Bismuth oxide is derived from the ignition of bismuth nitrate which in turn is obtained from the heavy metal bismuth, found in the US, Peru, and Mexico. Bismuth is very similar to lead, however there is no evidence that it is toxic. In fact, it is used in medicines taken orally for stomach complaints.

-It has been used instead of lead oxide in amounts up to 50% in optical glasses to improve durability and increase the specific gravities and refractive indexes. Arsenic is often used with it to prevent a tendency toward grey coloration.

-Bismuth has also been used in low temperature frits and colors, as a flux in conductive glazes, and in metal enamels.

-During the 1990's, industry has been under much pressure to discontinue the use of lead compounds. Bismuth is a very effective substitute for lead, providing the same high gloss, flow, 'healing' and 'bubble clearance' characteristics, refractive index, surface tension, viscosity, and resistance to 'aggressive' dishwasher detergents. Bismuth melts lower than lead and thus glazes can be even more fluid.

-Bismuth is much more expensive than lead (glazes could be 3-4 times more) and it does not provide the same gloss and durability in some on-glaze cobalt blue and iron red colors.

Properties

  • Fusion - 817C

    From The Oxide Handbook

Authors

  • Tony Hansen (Owner)

Others: Ag2O, As2O3, As4O6, Au2O3, BeO, Bi2O3, CdO, CeO2, Cl, Cs2O, CuCO3, Dy2O3, Er2O3, Eu2O3, F, Fr2O, Free SiO2, Ga2O3, GdO3, GeO2, HfO2, HgO, Ho2O3, In2O3, IrO2, KNaO, La2O3, Lu2O3, Mn2O3, MoO3, N2O5, Nb2O5, Nd2O3, Ni2O3, OsO2, Pa2O5, PdO, PmO3, PO4, Pr2O3, PrO2, PtO2, RaO, Rb2O, Re2O7, RhO3, RuO2, Sb2O3, Sb2O5, Sc2O3, Se, Sm2O3, Ta2O5, Tb2O3, Tc2O7, ThO2, Tl2O, Tm2O3, Trace, U3O8, UO2, WO3, Y2O3, Yb2O3,



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