Potassium Carbonate

Potassium carbonate is the inorganic compound with the formula K2CO3. It is a white salt, which is soluble in water. Potassium carbonate is mainly used in the production of soap and glass.

Synonyms: Potassium Carbonate, Kaliumcarbonat, Pottasche, Carbonate of Potash, Carbonic Acid Dipotassium Salt, Pearl Ash, Potassium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: K2CO3
CAS Number: 584-08-7

Characteristics

Molar Weight: 138.21 g/mol

Melting Point: 891.1°C

Density: 2.428 g/cc

Forms: Powder, White, Granular

Uses and Applications

Key applications

Ink, toner and colourant
Food additive
Glass
Fertiliser
Tobacco additive
Animal feed
Soaps and detergents

Industries

General information about potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate is also known by its common name potash. It is derived from the old method of enriching potassium carbonate from wood ash by washing it out with water and then evaporating it in pots.

The alkali is a potassium salt of carbonic acid. The world's largest potassium salt deposits are found in Canada, Russia, Belarus, China, the United States and Germany. Potassium carbonate is also found in some inland waters such as the Dead Sea or the Lop Nor desert.

Potassium carbonate ort he used as a raw material ort he production of glass, soap and fertilisers, among other things. It is biodegradable.

Properties of potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate is a white, crystalline powder. The highly hygroscopic (water-attracting) solid is very soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol (ethanol).

Potassium carbonate reacts with water to form potassium hydrogen carbonate and potassium hydroxide. Today, potassium carbonate is produced by carbonising potassium hydroxide solution. During the electrolysis of a potassium chloride solution, potassium hydroxide is formed at the negative pole. Carbon dioxide is introduced into this solution, producing pure potassium carbonate.

Potassium carbonate in agriculture

Potassium carbonate is used in agriculture as a source of potassium in fertilisers. It is also used to regulate the pH ft he soil and as a fungicide in plant protection products.

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Potassium carbonate in the soap and detergent industry

Potassium carbonate plays an important role in the soap and detergent industry. It is used in the production of potassium soap, which is softer and often more soluble in water than sodium soap. It is often used for liquid soaps or gels (e.g. shaving soaps and liquid hand soaps) for household and industrial use.

Potassium carbonate is also used in the production of liquid detergents and cleaning agents.

The substance also acts as a water softener by binding calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness. This improves the cleaning effect of soaps and detergents, as hard water reduces the formation of soap scum.

Potassium carbonate in the cosmetics industry

The beauty industry uses potassium carbonate to control the desired alkalinity in products such as soaps, creams and hair care products. This also ensures the stability of the formulation and skin compatibility.

In hair care products, for example, especially in hair bleaching and colouring products, potassium carbonate increases the alkalinity and improves the effect of the active ingredients. It helps to open the hair cuticles, allowing colourants or bleaching agents to penetrate more easily.

In scrubs and masks, potassium carbonate is used as a mild alkali to loosen skin flakes and improve the effectiveness of cleansing. Due to its hygroscopic properties, it helps to moisturise the skin and prevent the product from drying out.

Potassium carbonate is also used as a solvent in the cosmetics industry.

Potassium carbonate in the food industry

Potassium carbonate is authorised as a food additive under the designation E501. It is used as an acidity regulator that stabilises the pH value of foods such as pasta or products containing cocoa. In combination with acids such as citric acid or tartaric acid, potassium carbonate is also used as an ingredient in leavening agents - for example for gingerbread.

The substance is used in beverage production as a neutraliser or mineral additive. In some foods, especially dry mixtures and instantised products, potassium carbonate acts as a buffer to improve stability during storage.

Potassium carbonate in the glass industry

Potassium carbonate is used as a flux to lower the melting point of raw materials in glass production. This is how the resistant potassium glass is produced, for example. It is harder, more transparent and more brilliant than soda glass. Potassium glass is often required for high-quality applications, for example for optical glass (binoculars, telescopes and camera lenses), heat-resistant laboratory glass (including test tubes) and decorative glass.

Potassium carbonate - in combination with lead oxide - is also used in the production of lead crystal, also known as crystal glass. Lead crystal has an extraordinary light refraction, which makes it particularly attractive for jewellery, prisms and high-quality glassware.

Potassium carbonate in the animal feed industry

In the animal feed industry for livestock and pets, potassium carbonate acts as a potassium source, acidity regulator and pH stabiliser. It also increases the stability of feed mixtures and extends shelf life by reducing moisture absorption and inhibiting mould growth.

Potassium carbonate in the pharmaceutical industry

Potassium carbonate is used by the pharmaceutical industry as a source of potassium in medicines to treat potassium deficiency. Potassium is essential for heart function, fluid balance and muscle function.

The substance is also used to treat hyperacidity of the stomach by neutralising excess stomach acid.

Potassium carbonate is also used as a pH buffer in pharmaceutical formulations. It also acts as an excipient. It supports the solubility of active ingredients or improves the stability of the formulation.

Potassium carbonate is also used in chemical syntheses, for example as a reagent or catalyst in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is used as a mild alkali to control chemical reactions.

Potassium carbonate in the construction industry

In addition to the production of special glass for the construction industry, potassium carbonate is used as a concrete and mortar additive that accelerates hardening. In special mortars, it minimises the risk of shrinkage cracks by influencing the chemical composition of the mixture. Potassium carbonate is also used in concrete mixes to reduce the formation of ice crystals and protect the concrete from damage at low temperatures. In mortars or grouts, it helps to reduce moisture absorption and freeze-thaw damage.

Potassium carbonate is also used in waterproofing materials and coatings, especially in products that need to be alkali-resistant or moisture-repellent.

In the production of ceramic building materials, such as tiles or bricks, potassium carbonate acts as a fluxing agent that lowers the melting temperature of the materials and improves the homogeneity of the ceramic. This leads to more robust and higher quality products.

Potassium carbonate is also used in the production of colours and pigments, which are important for the construction industry. It contributes to the stability and durability of colours, especially in outdoor applications.

Further areas of application for potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate acts as a pH regulator, stabiliser and solvent in various processes in the production of inks, toners and colourants. Potassium carbonate is also used to control the particle size of pigments and as a dispersion and drying aid.
It is also used as a reagent in the production of colours. Examples of applications include printing inks for digital, offset and textile printing, toners for laser printers and copiers as well as marking and writing pens where consistent and vibrant colours are required.