Potassium hydroxide, alias caustic potash, has wide applications in manufacturing fertilizers and potassium-containing detergents. Let us discuss some of the uses of KOH.
KOH is used in several industries-
- Electronic Industries
- Agriculture industry
- Food industry
- Thermal industry
- Cosmetics industry
- Cotton industry
- Research industry
- Petroleum Industry
In this article, let us look into different applications of KOH in detail.
Electronic Industries
- In liquid form, KOH shows high conductivity, so it acts as an electrolyte in the manufacturing of batteries.
- In semiconductors, KOH is used for fabrication purposes.
- For texturing processes like silicon wafer smoothing, KOH is used.
- In graphic techniques of lithography, KOH plays a major role.
Agriculture industry
- In the agricultural industry, KOH is used for the manufacturing of liquid fertilizers.
- In identifying fungi species KOH plays a crucial role.
- In the removal of animal hair during the tanning process, KOH is used as a reagent.
Food Industry
- KOH adjusts PH in food industries and acts as a thickening agent and stabilizer.
- For the cleaning purpose of disinfecting surfaces, KOH is used in the food industry.
Thermal Industry
- Being a good catalyst KOH is used for the process of hydrothermal gasification.
- To enhance the yield of hydrogen formed during the reaction KOH is used; Like for producing coke from coal.
- To improve the gas yield and amount of hydrogen during the reaction.
Cosmetics Industry
- In soap manufacturing and electroplating and KOH acts as a varnish and paint remover.
- In the cosmetics industry, KOH acts as cuticle removers.
- In the saponification process, KOH is used to convert organic fats into soaps.
Cotton Industry
In mercerizing cotton, KOH is applicated in the Cotton industry.
Research Industry
- For potassium-containing compounds, KOH acts as a precursor.
- In laboratories in industries, schools, universities, and research organizations KOH is used for alkalimetric titrations.
- Solvents like amines and pyridines are dried by using KOH.
Petroleum Industry
As a petroleum refining compound, KOH is applicated in the Petroleum industry.
Conclusion :
KOH is a metal hydroxide called lye, potassium lye, and acts as a strong base. It is hygroscopic and highly stable. It acts as the best solvent in acid-base equilibrium.
Hi…I am Surya Satya Eluri. I have done my M.Sc in Organic Chemistry. I am very enthusiastic about the high-energy chemistry field. I love to write complicated chemistry concepts in understandable and simple words.
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