Caustic Potash
| Official name: | Caustic Potash |
|---|---|
| Alternative names: | Potassium Hydroxide solution 50 % |
| Product code: | 001310-58-3 |
| Formula: | KOH |
| Markets: | Industry |
| Applications: | De-icer, Fertiliser, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial chemicals, Batteries, Chemical processing, Soaps And detergents |
| Product type: | Alkali |
Caustic Potash
Caustic potash is produced together with chlorine during the electrolysis of potassium chloride. Whereas the chlorine is entirely for captive use, the caustic potash is commercialised as 50 % lye or as a solid material (flakes).
The caustic potash lye is commercialised in the N-W European market.
Caustic potash is used in a wide variety of applications such as the production of food additives, photographic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, alkaline batteries, fertilisers, detergents and soaps. A typical seasonal application is the manufacturing of de-icers.
The caustic potash flakes have a concentration of 90 % by weight and are commercialised worldwide.
The applications are in the production of potassium salts (carbonates, phosphates, nitrates, permanganate, xanthates, iodides), the production of mainly industrial types of detergents and the formulation of fertilisers in solution.
Other applications include the manufacture of insecticide/herbicide, pigment production, additives for the rubber industry, photographic industry, pharmaceutical industry and batteries.
The product can also be used in the production of “biodiesel”.
