1. Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Caustic Potash (Potassium Hydroxide or KOH) is an extremely strong, white solid alkali known for its exceptionally high and exothermic solubility in water and high reactivity. Supplied as white flakes, this unmatched industrial base plays a vital role in the production of liquid soaps, potassium-based chemical fertilizers, and battery electrolytes, and is essential for pH regulation and acid neutralization in advanced chemical processes.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Industrial Grade | Reagent / Lab Grade | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (as KOH) | ≥ 90.0 | ≥ 85.0 (Flake basis) | % |
| Potassium Carbonate (K₂CO₃) | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.0 | % |
| Chloride (as Cl) | ≤ 0.02 | ≤ 0.01 | % |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 10 | ≤ 3 | ppm |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 20 | ≤ 5 | ppm |
| Appearance | White flakes | White, translucent flakes | – |
(Note: The Reagent Grade, while having a lower nominal KOH percentage, features significantly lower metal and chloride impurities, which is critical for sensitive synthesis applications.)
3. Features & Benefits
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Exceptional Solubility: Among solid alkalis, it offers the fastest dissolution rate with intense heat release, accelerating industrial reaction processes.
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Soft Soap Production: Unlike sodium hydroxide, it produces potassium-based soaps that are liquid, clear, and exhibit superior foaming characteristics.
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High-Purity Potassium Source: Ideal for manufacturing water-soluble, high-analysis foliar fertilizers and greenhouse plant nutrition without harmful impurities.
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Controlled CO₂ Absorption: The flake formulation has a minimal carbonate content, optimized for use in battery electrolytes.
4. Industrial Applications
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Detergent & Personal Care Industry: The primary saponification agent for producing liquid hand soaps, shampoos, and shaving gels.
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Agriculture & Fertilizer: Supplies potassium and regulates pH in high-purity liquid NPK fertilizer formulations.
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Food Industry: An acidity regulator (E525) used in processing olives, cocoa, and confectionery products.
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Electronics Industry: The main electrolyte in alkaline batteries (Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Metal Hydride).
5. Safety & Handling
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MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): This substance is extremely corrosive and reacts violently and exothermically with water. Inhalation of its dust can cause severe respiratory tract damage. The Arnico MSDS must be obtained and studied without fail.
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Storage Conditions: Store in completely sealed, moisture-resistant bags in a dry, cool place, away from acids, water, and light metals (aluminum, tin, zinc). This material is highly hygroscopic.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The use of a P2 respirator, long neoprene gloves, chemical safety goggles, and a face shield is mandatory during handling.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
All Arnico Caustic Potash batches are supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that guarantees the exact KOH percentage, carbonate content, and maximum heavy metal levels.
