Talk:Lime (material)

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Lime and corpses

Why do people throw lime on dead bodies? In some sources it is explained that lime prevents decay and the spread of infection, elsewhere it's stated that lime assists with decomposition. Bastie 12:42, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I came here to post the same question --Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) 09:51, 6 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Lime - in this case both CaO and Ca(OH)2 can be used - is a biocide. So it will prevent the growth of microorganisms and will inhibit the decomposition process for a while. It will also neutralize and immobilize acidic components formed in the decomposition process. This will reduce the odour of decomposition. For this purpose lime is also used in the treatment of sewage and of animal & human feces. For example in outdoor toilets, powdered lime or limestone should be added regularly, to suppress the stench. Furthermore by its neutralizing property, lime can also promote the aerobic breakdown of organic components, as many aerobe bacteria are hampered by the acids formed in the decomposition. The inability of aerobic bacteria to cope with such acidic conditions can result in an anaerobic decomposition. As you might know, anaerobic decompositions produce compounds like methane, H2S and NH3 (among many others), which cause strong odours as well. Finally, the neutralization caused by lime and even more so limestone is more moderate than for e.g. with caustic soda (NaOH), because lime will release its alkalinity slower and over a longer periode, resulting in more stable pH conditions during the decomposition. --Mirkano (talk) 13:16, 21 March 2008 (UTC) Lime can help stop the decay of corpse and rot[reply]

What makes lime, lime?

What makes lime, lime? What's the etymology of the word? 220.253.2.78 10:56, 11 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Looks like it's originally from an Old Norse word meaning "slime." See http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lime Badagnani 03:05, 3 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Which kind used for nixtamalization?

Which specific variety of lime is used for nixtamalization? Badagnani 03:03, 3 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

As an alkaline is required, that would be Ca(OH)2, hydrated lime. A suspension of hydrated lime has a pH of 12.3.--Mirkano (talk) 13:16, 21 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Slaked lime different to hydrated lime?

Compare WP Feb 2012 "Hydrated lime, known as slaked lime, is produced according to the reaction: CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2" with http://www.limeindustries.com.au/index-3.html "Q: What is the difference between Slaked Lime and Hydrated Lime? A: Slaked lime and hydrated lime are often confused. Technically the addition of water to form a hydrated lime in powder form is called hydration. When the addition of water produces hydrated lime in a liquid form this process is called slaking." 124.170.2.66 (talk) 07:17, 3 February 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Uses?

I expected some information on how this mineral or product is used but aside from Roman concrete, there isn't much information on the practical applications of lime. If producing lime is such a big business, there should be some information on what industries are buying, what is it for.

I've learned more about his topic on the Talk Page than in the article. Expansion of this discussion would really enhance this article. Newjerseyliz (talk) 20:20, 2 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Inorganic carbonate?

The opening statement says:

"Lime is a calcium-containing inorganic material in which carbonates, oxides, and hydroxides predominate."

But that seems to indicate an organic material; given the predominance of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms/ions. Doesn't it?

Then it goes on to say that it refers specifically to CaO & Ca(OH)₂.

It's very confusing.

Tjt263 (talk) 01:57, 30 January 2017 (UTC)[reply]

---

To answer Tjt263's question: Simply put, it doesn't contain bonds between carbon and hydrogen, so it's inorganic.

Also, apparently "lime" is a general term. You can find it in "limestone" (CaCO3-containing rocks), quicklime (CaO) and hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2), or "the lime industry" (which deals with all three of them). When you talk about lime as a material, my understanding is that it generally refers to "quicklime" i.e. CaO.

The opening statement is indeed confusing! And there are already articles about CaO and (CaOH)2. So maybe this article should be either merged into those articles or rebranded as "lime industry" or "lime cycle".

130.209.6.40 (talk) 13:01, 15 October 2021 (UTC) (Shared IP from Glasgow University)[reply]

External links modified

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Please explain the term "pickling lime"

The term "pickling lime" is mentioned once in this article, but never explained. Can a few words of explanation be added? 173.88.246.138 (talk) 23:21, 14 July 2021 (UTC)[reply]

History stub moved to Lime kiln#History

Moved a History section stub (which I added myself) to Lime kiln#History, and added a hatnote link to that page. Since almost all of the history of lime revolves around lime kilns, it's probably better to keep all of its history there, for now. The Cosmic Ocean (Please feel free to modify or undo any of my edits as deemed appropriate.) 21:54, 22 October 2023 (UTC)[reply]