Barium is a silvery alkaline metal used in specialty glass and electronics due to its high density and chemical reactivity. Barium compounds can also be used in plastic and polymer additives and in a variety of paint driers, like Umicore's VALIREX products. The use of barium carboxylate improves the drying and pigment wetting characteristics of paint driers. Benefits also include low water sensitivity and the capability to reduce loss-on-drying.
