Introduction to Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP)

Introduction to Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP)

Physical properties:

• Chemical formula: (NaPO₃)₆
• Molecular weight: 611.77 g/mol
• Appearance: White powder or colorless transparent glass flake solid
• Solubility: Easily soluble in water, aqueous solution is alkaline

Main properties：

1. Chelation: It can form stable complexes with metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) to soften water.
2. Dispersion: It prevents particles from agglomerating and is widely used in industries such as ceramics and papermaking.
3. Buffering: It keeps pH stable in the solution and is suitable for food and medicine.
4. Antiseptic: It inhibits the growth of microorganisms and prolongs the shelf life of food.

Main Application：

1. Food industry
   Function: thickening, emulsification, antiseptic, moisture retention.
   Application: meat products, dairy products, beverages, canned food, etc.
2. Water treatment industry
   Function: soften water quality, prevent pipe scaling and corrosion.
   Application: industrial cooling water, boiler water treatment.
3. Detergent industry
   Function: enhance decontamination ability, soften water quality.
   Application: laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, etc.
4. Ceramic and glass industry
   Function: dispersant, improve slurry fluidity.
   Application: ceramic glaze, glass manufacturing.
5. Petroleum industry
   Function: prevent drilling fluid scaling and corrosion.
   Application: oilfield drilling fluid.
6. Textile industry
   Function: printing and dyeing auxiliaries, improve dyeing effect.
   Application: textile printing and dyeing.
7. Papermaking industry
   Function: dispersant, improve paper quality.
   Application: papermaking process.
8. Pharmaceutical industry
   Function: drug stabilizer or buffer.
   Application: pharmaceutical preparations.
9. Cosmetics industry
   Function: emulsifier and stabilizer, improve product stability.
   Application: skin care products, cosmetics.
10. Agriculture
    Function: fertilizer additive, improve nutrient absorption.
    Application: fertilizer production.

Production process：

1. Phosphate method: Phosphoric acid reacts with sodium carbonate to form sodium dihydrogen phosphate, which is then polymerized at high temperature.
2. Thermal phosphoric acid method: Yellow phosphorus burns to form phosphorus pentoxide, which reacts with sodium carbonate to form sodium hexametaphosphate.

Safety and storage：

• Safety: Low toxicity, but high concentration may irritate skin and eyes, wear protective equipment.
• Storage: Dry, ventilated place, avoid moisture and high temperature.

Summary：

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a multifunctional chemical widely used in food, water treatment, detergents, ceramics, petroleum, textiles, papermaking, medicine, cosmetics and agriculture, etc. It has chelating, dispersing, buffering and antiseptic properties.