How is potassium hydroxide used in industry?

1. Potassium Salt Production: Potassium hydroxide is mainly used as a raw material for the production of potassium salts such as potassium permanganate and potassium carbonate.

 

 

2. Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, potassium hydroxide is used in the production of various drugs, such as potassium borohydride, amiloride, danazol, progesterone, and testosterone propionate.

 

 

3. Light Industry: Potassium hydroxide is used in the light industry for the production of potash soap, alkaline batteries, and cosmetics such as cold cream, vanishing cream, and shampoo.

 

 

4. Dye Industry: In the dye industry, potassium hydroxide is used in the production of reduction dyes, such as reduction blue RSN.

 

 

5. Electrochemical Industry: In the electrochemical industry, potassium hydroxide is used in electroplating and engraving processes.

 

 

6. Textile Industry: Potassium hydroxide is used as a dyeing and printing assistant in the textile industry, improving the water solubility of dyes, adjusting the pH value of the dye bath, in the bleaching process to destroy pigment molecules, achieving the bleaching effect of cellulose, and in mercerization to increase the luster and elasticity of fibers such as cotton. In addition, it is also an important component in the production of synthetic fibers and polyester fibers.

 

 

7. Battery Manufacturing: Potassium hydroxide is used in the manufacturing of nickel-cadmium batteries and lead-acid batteries.

 

 

8. Food Processing: In food processing, potassium hydroxide can be used as an acid neutralizer, flavoring agent, and stabilizer.

 

 

9. Catalyst Preparation: Potassium hydroxide can be used to prepare some catalysts, such as potassium hydroxide/platinum catalysts.

 

 

10. Soapstone Manufacturing: Potassium hydroxide is also used in the manufacturing of soapstone.

 

 

11. Metallurgical Heating Agents and Leather Degreasing: Potassium hydroxide is also used as a metallurgical heating agent and for leather degreasing.

 

These applications show the importance and versatility of potassium hydroxide as a strong base in various industrial fields.