Use in electronics, ceramics and plastics

The next generation electrical contact materials based on bismuth-silver compositions are suitable for automobile sectors, since they do not weld or arc under heavy loads. The unique conduction properties of bismuth have led to the production of plastics with a built-in shielding protection against electromagnetic or radio-frequency interferences and electrostatic discharge which create serious disturbance to the electronic equipment around us. 

Ceramics represent a vast outlet for bismuth compounds, particularly bismuth oxide. Small levels of inclusions have a remarkable impact on the performances of the materials used for electronics. Typical examples of electroceramics are those derived from sintered Bi203-3Sn02, Zn0 Bi203 or 2Bi203-3Ti02. Many of these ceramics can work as sensors for monitoring 

Bismuth also improves the optical property of glasses the addition of major amounts of bismuth oxide imparts higher specific gravity or greater refractive indices. Bismuth phosphate is used for the manufacture of flint glass. 

In the plastic industry, bismuth compounds are used as stabilizers, plasticizers and additives of some sort. They also impart a flame-retardant or smoke-inhibiting property to plastics and artificial fibers. 

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