Potassium Carbonate
Potassium Carbonate (K₂CO₃)
Potassium Carbonate is a white, hygroscopic, water-soluble salt with the chemical formula K₂CO₃. It is also known as potash or pearl ash and is primarily used as a strong alkali in a variety of industrial applications. With its excellent solubility, buffering capacity, and ability to absorb moisture from the air, Potassium Carbonate plays a crucial role in manufacturing processes across industries such as glass, soap, agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Product Specifications (Typical Industrial Grade)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White granular or powder form |
| Assay (as K₂CO₃) | ≥ 99.0% |
| K₂O Content | ≥ 68.0% |
| Chloride (as Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.01% |
| Sulfate (as SO₄²⁻) | ≤ 0.01% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 5 ppm |
| Insoluble matter | ≤ 0.01% |
| pH (5% solution) | 11.6 – 12.0 |
| Bulk Density | ~ 1.0 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water | 110 g/100 mL at 20°C |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
Grades Available:
- Industrial Grade
- Food Grade (FCC/E501)
- Pharmaceutical Grade (USP/BP)
Key Features & Properties
- Strong Alkalinity – Acts as a strong base, ideal for neutralizing acidic compounds.
- High Water Solubility – Rapidly dissolves in water to form a clear, alkaline solution.
- Hygroscopic Nature – Absorbs moisture from the air, which is beneficial for some applications.
- Thermal Stability – Does not decompose at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-heat processes.
- Corrosion Resistance – Non-corrosive to most metals under neutral conditions.
- Free Flowing Powder – Easy to handle and mix in both dry and wet processes.
Benefits & Advantages
- Glass Production Enhancer – Lowers the melting point of silica, saving energy and improving flow characteristics in glass making.
- Environmentally Safe Alkali – A non-toxic alternative to harsher chemical bases.
- Consistent Composition – High purity ensures predictable results across batches.
- Cost-Efficient pH Regulator – Acts as a buffer in many chemical and food formulations.
- Safe for Food Use – FDA and EU approved for various food applications when using food-grade material.
- Multifunctional – Acts as a drying agent, softening agent, cleaning agent, and more.
Applications & Use Cases
Glass Manufacturing
- Used as a flux to lower the melting point of silica.
- Common in specialty glass like optical lenses and heat-resistant glassware.
Soaps and Detergents
- Used as an ingredient in soft soaps, especially liquid soaps.
- Functions as a water softener and pH adjuster.
Food Industry
- Acts as a pH buffer, stabilizer, and leavening agent.
- Used in the production of cocoa powder, caramel coloring, and baking.
Agriculture
- Source of potassium in fertilizer formulations.
- Enhances nutrient availability in soil conditioning agents.
Pharmaceuticals
- Used in effervescent tablets and antacid formulations.
- Serves as a buffering agent.
Chemical Manufacturing
- Intermediate in the production of potassium-based chemicals like potassium silicate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium phosphates.
Water Treatment
- Used in pH adjustment in industrial water systems and wastewater treatment plants.
Summary
Potassium Carbonate is a highly versatile, alkaline compound with extensive applications in both industrial and food-grade sectors. Its high solubility, non-toxic nature, and strong buffering capabilities make it a go-to chemical for industries ranging from glass and soap to food processing and pharmaceuticals. Whether enhancing the clarity of glass, stabilizing pH in food products, or softening water in detergent formulations, Potassium Carbonate delivers reliable performance across multiple sectors.