Chemical Type(s)
Location(s)
- Chicago
Uses
Detergents:
- Primary use is as a builder in detergents to enhance cleaning performance by:
- Softening hard water (sequestering calcium and magnesium ions)
- Improving surfactant effectiveness
- Dispersing soil and preventing redeposition
Food Industry:
- Used as a food additive (E451i) in various applications:
- As a meat binder and tenderizer
- To improve the texture and consistency of processed foods
- As an emulsifier and stabilizer
Industrial Applications:
- Used in various industrial processes, including:
- Water treatment (corrosion inhibition, scale prevention)
- Textile dyeing and printing
- Paper manufacturing
Packaging Sizes Available
Bags
Description
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) Light
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP), specifically the “light” variety, is a versatile inorganic polyphosphate salt with a wide range of applications, most notably in detergents and cleaning products. The “light” designation refers to its lower bulk density compared to other forms of STPP. This lower density translates to a larger volume for the same weight of product, influencing its flowability, dispersibility, and how it’s handled and incorporated into formulations. Light STPP often exhibits better flow properties and can be more easily dispersed in liquids, making it preferable for certain applications. STPP’s effectiveness stems from its ability to chelate metal ions, sequester hardness minerals, and disperse soils.
Key Uses:
Detergents and Cleaners:
- Builder: STPP is a critical ingredient in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, and various industrial and household cleaners. Its role as a builder is multifaceted:
- Water Softening: STPP effectively chelates calcium and magnesium ions, the primary culprits in hard water. By sequestering these ions, STPP prevents them from interfering with the action of surfactants (the cleaning agents), allowing the surfactants to work more efficiently and produce better cleaning results.
- Surfactant Enhancement: Beyond water softening, STPP enhances the performance of surfactants. It helps them to penetrate fabrics and lift away soil more effectively.
- Soil Dispersion: STPP disperses soil particles, keeping them suspended in the wash water and preventing them from redepositing onto clean surfaces. This is particularly important for particulate soils like clay and dirt.
- pH Buffering: STPP also contributes to maintaining an optimal pH for cleaning.
Food Industry:
- Food Additive (E451): STPP is used as a food additive in a variety of applications, acting as a:
- Water Retention Agent: In meat and poultry processing, STPP helps retain moisture, improving texture and juiciness. It also helps prevent moisture loss during cooking.
- Emulsifier and Stabilizer: In processed cheeses and other foods, STPP acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water components and preventing separation. It also stabilizes the texture of certain foods.
- Texture Modifier: Used in some baked goods to improve texture and leavening.
- Preservative: In some seafood applications, STPP can help prevent discoloration and maintain freshness.
Water Treatment:
- Scale Prevention: In industrial water treatment, STPP can be used to prevent scale formation by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions, thus protecting pipes and equipment from build-up.
Other Applications:
- Ceramics: Used in the production of ceramics as a deflocculant, helping to disperse clay particles.
- Textiles: Used in some textile processing applications as a water softener and to improve dyeing efficiency.
Packaging: Available in various packaging options to suit your needs, including bags and supersacks.