Potassium nitrate is known under several names: potassium nitrate or technical potassium nitrate. The chemical formula is: KNO3. This substance is widely used in various fields of industry, and in chemical production it is given special attention.
In appearance, potassium nitrate is a white crystalline powder sometimes with a yellowish-white tint. It is odorless. Potassium nitrate is highly soluble in water.
Chemical properties, in the first place, are expressed in that potassium nitrate is a rather strong oxidizing agent, it reacts with other substances, primarily, reducing agents and combustible materials.
Areas of use
Potassium nitrate is mainly used in the chemical, electrical, radio and engineering industries, glass and some other areas. It is widely used in the national economy, this applies to the agricultural industry. This substance can be found in both wholesale and retail.
Since the scope of application is quite diverse, potassium nitrate is of several varieties. Manufacturers produce four major brands. The first A is intended for the electrovacuum industry. A1 - optical glassmaking. Grade B refers to potassium nitrate for the production of smoke powder, special mixtures, as well as for use in decolouring glass and clarifying crystal glass, which also makes glass products stronger.
Regardless of the industry in which potassium nitrate is used, the application must take into account all the basic properties of this substance, and certain safety precautions must be observed. Potassium nitrate is a strong oxidizing agent, so it can lead to spontaneous combustion of combustible substances. According to the effects on the body, saltpeter is assigned the third hazard class.
Similar safety precautions must be observed during transportation. Potassium nitrate is transported only in specialized wagons, or by any other closed transport.
Potassium nitrate can only be stored in packaged form in closed, secure rooms, separate from other hot or flammable substances. Failure to comply with these rules will increase the risk of explosion or fire.
Despite the fact that this compound is found in nature, the main way of its appearance are chemical reactions. In the process of using nitrate, it can also itself enter into a variety of reactions. Considering potassium nitrate, hydrolysis of salts can be studied on the basis of the data obtained.
The use of potassium nitrate
Despite the wide distribution in various industries, potassium nitrate is most often used in agriculture. This is a first-class fertilizer for plants. Saltpeter is intended for some varieties that do not react well with other types of fertilizers. This includes many berry and citrus fruits, grapes, tobacco, beets. When hothouse growing vegetables and indoor plants, nitrate is used to strengthen plants.
Nitrate is able to significantly strengthen the root system of plants, it also normalizes the processes of photosynthesis, improves the structure of plant tissues. Due to this, plants become more resistant to external environmental influences.
Potassium nitrate is used in the food industry as an E252 preservative. The main products where this preservative is used are sausages, ham, Dutch cheese, sausages and canned meat.
Due to the wide demand there is always a need for the production of potassium nitrate of all four grades, only its quality must comply with state standards.