We are all surrounded by chemicals, left right and center, and Phosphoric acid is one of that. Phosphoric acid is used in agriculture, various industries, and even in homes. It is also known as orthophosphoric acid, one of the extensively used acids. It contains three hydrogen atoms, one of phosphorus, and four of oxygen.
Therefore, the chemical formula of this acid is H3PO4. This is an acid which has a variety of uses. In this blog, we will read about the various used of phosphoric acid.
Let us dive into some of them:
It Helps in the Removal of Rust
Rust removal is a common use of phosphoric acid. It acts as a rust converter on its application to corroded surfaces. It converts reddish-brown iron, to black-colored ferric phosphate.
After this, the black coating can be easily cleaned off, revealing the fresh metal surface to the world in its full magnificence.
It Comes Good in Food Processing
Phosphoric acid is employed as an additive to acetify beverages and food, such as several colas. It renders a sour or tangy taste, and as it is produced in large quantity, this chemical is not that difficult to procure for the people either.
Many people are of the opinion that, it has some ill effects for the human health but, there are no major evidences about phosphoric acid hurting the health of a person that bad. And, the fact of the matter is that, it is used in the processing of food and beverages.
It is Used in Medical and Dentistry
This chemical is extensively used in dentistry and medicine. It is used as an element in over-the-counter anti-nausea medicines, which also contain high sugar, that is, fructose and glucose.
When we talk about the use of the same in dentistry, this is combined with zinc powder for the formation of zinc phosphate, used as a temporary dental cement.
It is also employed in orthodonture as an etching solution, for cleaning and roughen the surface of teeth before the placing of brackets and other dental appliances. This is also used in more than a few teeth whitening solutions for doing away with plaque present on the teeth surface.
What are Some Other Uses of the Same?
This chemical is employed as an electrolyte in phosphoric acid fuel cells. It is also employed as a cleaner in the trades related to construction, for removing cement smears, mineral deposits, and stains of hard water.
It is because of the growing production of phosphate composites, the demand for phosphoric acid is on the rise, and the total value will reach a value of USD 63,186.8 million by the end of this decade.
