Among the inorganic phosphates, a potent type is trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP. Trisodium phosphate is an antimicrobial that is known worldwide for a variety of purposes. It is used in different industries for a plethora of reasons, from commercial and large-scale projects like chlorination to home-based cleaning remedies.
What is TSP?
TSP is an inorganic substance, also known as trisodium phosphate. TSP is either in the form of grains or has a trigonal crystalline structure with a white hue. TSP can be dissolved in water pretty readily and generates a basic solution.
How is it produced?
The white crystals or powder are manufactured in different ways worldwide. Trisodium phosphate used commercially is slightly different and is known as trisodium orthophosphate or sodium phosphate. Simply TSP is made by neutralization of the phosphoric acid by utilizing sodium carbonate. Consequently, disodium hydrogen phosphate is produced, which is further reacted with sodium hydroxide, forming TSP, and releasing water.
Uses of Trisodium phosphate
Trisodium phosphate is super helpful and used in many industries. Some of its primary uses are:-
- Cleaning: Trisodium phosphate is used in the soap and detergent industry. It is most commonly used as an easy to clean agent.
- Chlorination: Another use of TSP is to disinfect and bleach.
- Medical-grade plumbing: TSP is also used as a flux in hard soldering and is later implemented as a concentrated liquid.
- Painting enhancement: Trisodium phosphate is also utilized as a primer on walls to remove grease or gloss of the previous paint; this is to apply a neat layer of paint afterward. TSP can break down the fatty components in the grease and oil-based paints and is thus very effective overall.
Adverse effects
Although TSP is considered a helpful agent in many fields, it has adverse effects too. Due to this very purpose, the overall usage has been slightly declining. Now it is easily substituted by options that are more environmental friendly.
