What are the common uses of sodium tripolyphosphate?
Nov 26,2025
What are the uses of sodium tripolyphosphate? As a manufacturer of sodium tripolyphosphate, let’s explore together some of its common applications!
1. Industrial applications
A fixing agent used in dyeing and printing, a brightening agent for fabrics, a metal corrosion inhibitor or rust preventive. In the enamel industry, it serves as a flux and decolorizing agent. In the leather industry, it is employed as a fat-removing and degumming agent for raw hides. It can also function as an aluminum corrosion inhibitor and a corrosion inhibitor for steel in cleaning agents. When it reacts with calcium and magnesium salts in hard water, it forms insoluble calcium phosphate and magnesium phosphate salts. These phosphate salts are non-adhesive and do not stick to fabrics the way calcium and magnesium soaps do. Furthermore, it exhibits penetrating and emulsifying properties, enhancing the wetting ability of water and providing a certain degree of emulsification. As such, it is an excellent detergent for removing stubborn dirt from hard surfaces and metal surfaces.
2. Food Use
Food quality improvers that enhance the chelation of metal ions, adjust pH levels, and increase ionic strength—thereby improving the binding force and water-holding capacity of food products. In China, these additives are permitted for use in cheese at a maximum dosage of 5 g/kg; in Western-style ham, meat, fish, shrimp, and crab, the maximum allowable dosage is 3.0 g/kg; and in canned foods, fruit juices, beverages, and dairy products, the maximum allowable dosage is 0.5 g/kg.