STPP (Granules)
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) in granulated form is a versatile, high-purity inorganic compound widely used in industrial, cleaning, and food processing applications. Presented as free-flowing white granules, this form offers excellent solubility and ease of handling, making it ideal for automated dosing and blending. Granular STPP is valued for its water-softening, dispersing, emulsifying, and preservative properties, supporting a wide range of formulations across multiple industries.
Primary Uses
Detergent & Cleaning Products Industry
Water Softener & Builder: Chelates calcium and magnesium ions to enhance detergent efficiency.
Dispersing Agent: Keeps soil and particulate matter suspended during cleaning cycles to prevent redeposition.
Stain Removal: Helps break down grease, oils, and protein soils for improved cleaning.
pH Buffer: Maintains alkaline environment to optimize cleaning reactions.
Anti-scaling Agent: Prevents mineral deposits in washing machines and industrial cleaning systems.
Ceramic & Tile Industry
Deflocculant for Clay Slips: Reduces viscosity and improves fluidity for better mold filling.
Dispersing Agent: Ensures uniform distribution of particles in ceramic formulations.
Sintering Aid: Enhances compactness and strength of fired ceramic products.
Water Treatment Industry
Scale Inhibitor: Controls calcium and magnesium salt deposits in cooling and boiler systems.
Corrosion Inhibitor: Protects metal surfaces by sequestering iron and other metal ions.
Dispersant: Maintains suspended solids to improve water clarity and flow.
Secondary Uses
Food Industry (Food Grade Granules only)
Moisture Retention: Improves water-binding capacity in seafood, poultry, and meat products.
Texture Enhancer: Enhances tenderness and mouthfeel in processed foods.
Emulsifier & Stabilizer: Supports uniformity in processed cheese, sauces, and dairy products.
Preservative: Extends shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth.
Color Retention: Maintains natural appearance of frozen and canned foods.
pH Regulator: Helps maintain food stability and flavor.
Textile Industry
Chelating Agent: Removes hardness ions to improve dye uptake and fabric quality.
Wetting Agent: Enhances penetration of dyes and chemicals into textiles.
Oil & Gas Industry
Drilling Mud Additive: Acts as dispersant and deflocculant to improve drilling fluid performance.
Scale Control: Prevents scale formation in production equipment.
Paper & Pulp Industry
Pitch Control: Prevents resin and wax deposits on paper machinery.
Bleach Stabilizer: Improves bleaching efficiency by controlling metal ions.
Paints & Coatings
Pigment Dispersant: Improves color uniformity and stability in water-based paints.
Anti-caking Agent: Prevents lump formation in powdered coatings.
Leather Industry
Degreasing Agent: Helps remove natural oils during hide processing.
Tanning Aid: Promotes even tanning agent distribution.
Construction Industry
Cement Additive: Acts as dispersant to improve workability and strength of cement mixtures.
Metal Surface Treatment
Descaling Agent: Removes oxide layers prior to plating or coating.
Mining & Mineral Processing
Flotation Reagent: Functions as dispersant and pH modifier in mineral recovery.
Basic Identification Attributes
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Pentasodium triphosphate
Common/Trade Name: STPP Granules
CAS Number: 7758-29-4
HS Code: 2835.31.00
Synonyms: Sodium triphosphate, Pentasodium triphosphate, Tripolyphosphate
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Free-flowing white granules
Color & Odor: White; odorless
Melting Point: ~622 °C (decomposes)
Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in organic solvents
pH (1% solution): 9.2–10.0
Density: Approx. 1.0–1.2 g/cm³ (bulk density)
Hygroscopic: Yes
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Eye Irritant Category 2A
Toxicity: Low toxicity; may cause irritation to eyes and skin
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated areas protected from moisture
Container Type: 25kg or 50kg plastic-lined woven bags or fiber drums
Shelf Life: 24 months in original sealed packaging
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust generation and contact with skin and eyes
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Complies with REACH and TSCA regulations
Meets ISO 9001 quality management system standards
Manufactured under GMP and HACCP (for food grade)
Conforms to OSHA HCS and GHS workplace safety standards
Food-grade complies with FDA and EU food additive regulations (when applicable)
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Not inherently biodegradable
Ecotoxicity: May contribute to eutrophication if released in large quantities
Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Environmental Notes: Wastewater treatment required to minimize phosphate discharge impact
PPE Required: Safety goggles, gloves, dust mask recommended
Handling Guidelines: Use adequate ventilation and dust control
Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and dry, away from incompatible materials
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes; get medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Non-flammable solid
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or COâ‚‚
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sodium oxides, phosphorus oxides under high heat