Bismuth is the core of our technology. Element number 83, with the symbol is Bi, has been widely used in alloys, cosmetics, pigments, and even pharmaceuticals. Best known as the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol(tm) you have probably consumed many, many, grams of bismuth in your lifetime. Similar in weight and X-ray shielding efficacy to the toxic element lead, bismuth is increasingly being explored as an "alternative" heavy element.
A Green Element
Bismuth is sometimes referred to as a "Green Element." It is a byproduct of other mining efforts, and poses no real environmental contamination risks. Green Chemistry is at the core of our company principles, and we strive to be a responsible materials company for the future. Our technology utilizes bismuth as a replacement for toxic radiation shielding materials, and we have developed our processing techniques to be clean, sustainable, and environmentally benign. Materials are custom produced, flexible, durable, and most importantly non-toxic!
A Unique Element
Bismuth is a truly unique element with fascinating physical properties that makes it useful in a broad range of industries. It expands when it freezes (like water), is the most diamagnetic element, and it has an exceptionally low thermal conductivity. Because it is so non-toxic, it is commonly used in solders, in fire extinguishers, in ammunition, cosmetics, and a wide range of other niche applications. It is a very soft, and very brittle element, which makes it relatively easy to process into particles and won't scratch other surfaces.
An Anti-Microbial Element
Bismuth is a well known anti-microbial, although non-toxic to us and other animals. Historically it has been used to treat general gastrointestinal disorders and specifically Helicobacter pylori infections, and recent studies suggest it might be a more applicable broad spectrum anti-microbial. The application of bismuth materials in new materials that resist surface fouling and contamination is just beginning. We have consumed bismuth medicines for millennia, and are just beginning to explore new and unique ways we can use bismuth in other areas of medicine and the environment.
A Stable Element
Technically, bismuth is radioactive, but the half life is so long it is considered an essentially stable element. Scientists were only able to prove it was radioactive in 2003, and measure the half-life of 1.9 x 10E19 years; which is over a billion times longer than the age of the universe.