What is Sulfuric Acid 98%?
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Sulfuric acid (98%) is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid commonly used in various industrial processes. It can dissolve materials like glass, metal, and rubber into ions and molecules. It's also referred to as sulfuric hydroxide 98% and has a very low pKa of 1, making it extremely acidic.
Top 10 Uses of Sulfuric Acid 98%
1. Fertilizer Manufacturing
Used to produce superphosphate fertilizers by reacting with phosphate salts, leading to the creation of ammonium sulfate and urea.
2. Detergents & Cleaners
Acts as a bleaching and cleaning agent for surfaces like marble, tiles, and concrete by breaking down stains and organic matter.
3. Chemical Bleaching
Used in bleaches for textiles and laundry. Some detergents may contain up to 70% sulfuric acid.
4. Water Softening
Removes calcium carbonate in water treatment plants to prevent scale buildup, also known as lime softening.
5. Steel Pickling
Removes rust and oxides from steel surfaces before painting or sealing through reaction with metals like copper.
6. Electroplating
Used in silver electroplating processes with acid concentrations between 12-50% to form a coating over items.
7. Rubber Production
Essential in producing vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) for manufacturing PVC, a widely used industrial material.
8. Petroleum Refining
Used for extracting aromatics from hydrocarbons and cleaning equipment in pulp and paper mills.
9. Wood Treatment
Acts as a fungicide, cleaning agent, and wetting agent to preserve wood and prevent mold growth.
10. Leather Processing
Used for removing stains from leather by combining with salts like sodium sulfide or sodium sulfite.