Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is an inorganic, highly alkaline compound commonly available as a white, granular or crystalline solid. It is widely used for its powerful cleaning, degreasing, buffering, and water-softening properties. TSP is a versatile compound with significant utility across food processing, detergents, industrial cleaning, water treatment, and construction industries. It also acts as a flux, pH adjuster, emulsifier, and sequestrant. Both technical and food grades are available depending on the application.
Trisodium Phosphate
Primary Uses
- Cleaning & Detergent Industry:
- Acts as a heavy-duty degreaser and surface cleaner for walls, floors, and equipment prior to painting or coating.
- Key component in industrial detergents and household cleaners for removing stubborn grease, mildew, and stains.
- Softens hard water to enhance detergent performance.
- Water Treatment:
- Serves as a water softening agent by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions.
- Used in boiler and cooling water systems to control scale buildup and corrosion.
- Food Industry (Food Grade TSP):
- Employed as an emulsifier and thickener in processed meats, cheeses, and seafood.
- Functions as a pH buffer and sequestrant to stabilize food texture and extend shelf life.
- Used to improve water retention and color in meat and poultry processing.
- Construction & Paint Industry:
- Used to clean and prepare surfaces before painting by removing grease and chalk residue.
- Sometimes added to paint removers and strippers for enhanced effectiveness.
Secondary Uses
- Textile Industry:
- Used as a cleaning agent and water softener in fabric processing and dyeing.
- Pulp & Paper Industry:
- Acts as a pH buffer and dispersing agent during paper pulping and bleaching.
- Photography & Film Processing:
- Serves as a buffering agent and cleaner in photographic developers.
- Ceramics & Enamels:
- Acts as a flux in ceramic and enamel production to reduce melting temperatures.
- Metal Treatment & Plating:
- Used in metal cleaning and electroplating pre-treatment processes.
- Agriculture:
- Occasionally used as a phosphate source in fertilizers and animal feed supplements.
1. Basic Key Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Trisodium phosphate
- Common/Trade Name: Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
- CAS Number: 7601-54-9
- HS Code: 2835.11.00
- Synonyms: TSP, Sodium phosphate tribasic, Sodium orthophosphate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (granules or powder)
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Melting Point: 1583 °C (decomposes)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol
- pH (1% solution): ~12.0 (strongly alkaline)
- Density: Approx. 2.5 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- Hazard: Causes serious eye damage; may cause skin irritation
- Signal Word: Danger
- Toxicity: Moderate if ingested in large amounts; food grade is safe when used as directed
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits; general dust precautions apply
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from acids and moisture
- Container Type: HDPE bags, fiber drums, or bulk containers
- Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage
- Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; use PPE to prevent exposure
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with applicable food-grade (FCC) or technical-grade standards depending on usage
- Meets REACH and TSCA inventory requirements
- Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food and pharma grades
- FDA-approved for specific food applications within regulated limits
- Adheres to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and GHS labeling
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Inorganic compound – not biodegradable, but breaks down into non-toxic ions
- Ecotoxicity: High phosphate levels may cause eutrophication in water bodies
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator for powder handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation; avoid dust generation
- Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and dry
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes; seek immediate medical help
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if symptoms occur
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Sodium oxides, phosphorus oxides
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Potassium Hydroxide
Potassium Hydroxide is a highly concentrated, caustic alkaline chemical available as a solid (pellets, flakes) or concentrated aqueous solution. It is a strong base widely used in industrial processes, chemical manufacturing, and as a reagent. Potassium Hydroxide provides excellent neutralizing, saponifying, and cleaning properties and is essential in producing potassium soaps, biodiesel, fertilizers, and various chemical compounds. Its high purity and concentration (90%) make it suitable for demanding applications requiring strong alkalinity.
Sodium Disilicate
Sodium Disilicate, commonly supplied in granular or powder form, is an alkaline, water-soluble compound used widely in industrial applications. It functions primarily as a binder, adhesive, and corrosion inhibitor. Its high alkalinity and silicate content make it effective in detergents, water treatment, and cement manufacturing. Sodium Disilicate is valued for its ability to improve strength and durability of materials, as well as its effectiveness in cleaning and stabilizing processes.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate Food Grade
Sodium Hexametaphosphate Food Grade is a white, granular or powdery inorganic compound composed of sodium and metaphosphoric acid polymers. It is highly soluble in water and acts as an effective sequestrant, dispersing agent, and water softener. SHMP is widely used across various industries including food processing, water treatment, detergents, ceramics, and metallurgy. It helps control hardness, prevent scale formation, and stabilize formulations, making it valuable in both industrial and consumer applications.
Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate
Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate is a white crystalline solid containing five molecules of water of crystallization. It is widely used for its alkaline and detergent properties, making it effective in cleaning, water treatment, and as a corrosion inhibitor. The pentahydrate form is commonly preferred in detergent and industrial applications where controlled moisture content is beneficial. It dissolves readily in water, forming strongly alkaline solutions useful in various industries.
Sodium Thiosulphate
Sodium Thiosulphate (Na₂S₂O₃) is a white, crystalline, odorless powder or granular solid highly soluble in water. This 25kg packaged chemical is widely used in photographic processing, water treatment, chemical synthesis, and medicine. Known for its reducing and complexing properties, it acts as an effective dechlorinating agent and fixer in photography by dissolving silver halides. It is stable under normal conditions and easily handled for industrial and laboratory applications.
Sodium Thiosulphate Pentahydrate
Sodium Thiosulphate Pentahydrate (Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O) is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used as a photographic fixer, reducing agent, and in water treatment processes. This 25kg packaged product contains five molecules of water of crystallization, which makes it more stable and easier to handle in industrial and laboratory applications. It is widely used to dechlorinate water, remove heavy metals, and in analytical chemistry for iodometric titrations.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP), chemical formula Na₅P₃O₁₀, is a white, granular or powdery inorganic compound widely used as a sequestrant, dispersant, and detergent builder. This 25kg packaged product is highly soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions that effectively soften water by chelating calcium and magnesium ions. Its excellent emulsifying and dispersing properties make it an essential ingredient in detergents, water treatment, food processing, and industrial cleaning applications.

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