Sodium tripolyphosphate is a chemical that has many uses in industry, ranging from an ingredient in cleaning products to a food preservative. Also known by alternate names like pentasodium salt or triphosphoric acid, the substance falls into the classification Generally Regarded As Safe, which means that past use of the chemical has presented no risk to health. It can also be found in some paints and ceramic products, among other uses.

Applications:

Cleaning Power : One of the common usages of Sodium Tripolyphosphate is as an ingredient in detergents and soaps. Most gel, liquid, tablet, and powder forms of both laundry and dishwasher detergent contain it. Its key function is that it allows surfactants, which are molecules that help dissolve surface dirt, to work at their full potential. The chemical can also soften hard water for easier foaming and cleaning, and it helps prevent dirt from sticking to the surfaces of the object being cleaned. Many general household cleaning products, including surface and toilet cleaners, contain Sodium Tripolyphosphate.

Food Applications : Sodium tripolyphosphate is also used to preserve foods such as red meats, poultry, and seafood, helping them to retain their tenderness and moisture during storage and transport. Pet food and animal feed can also be treated with it, serving the same general purpose as it does in human food. STPP also has been used to help preserve the quality of drinks such as milk and fruit juices.

Other Uses : Sodium Tripolyphosphate's chemical characteristics are used in paint to keep the pigments evenly dispersed, and in ceramics to evenly distribute clay. Paper mills use it as an oil-resistant agent when coating paper, and it may also be used as a tanning agent for leather. Due to its cleaning action, it may also be an ingredient in toothpaste.

*Sequestrant for alkaline metals

*Pulp and paper production: anti-“pitch” agent for raw pulp

*Tartar control agent

*Corrosion control

*Lead control

*Leather tanning agent

*Whitening agent