Potassium hydroxide is used in agriculture as a raw material for the production of potassium-based fertilisers. It is also used to increase the pH value of acidic soils. Neutralising soil acidification improves the availability of nutrients and promotes plant growth.
Potassium hydroxide is also used in some plant protection products to combat certain pests and diseases. The substance is also used to clean agricultural machinery, equipment and stables.
Potassium hydroxide in the animal feed industry
Potassium hydroxide is used in the animal feed industry to adjust the pH value of animal feed. This is important to ensure stability and shelf life and to improve digestibility for animals.
It is also used as a source of potassium and improves the texture, solubility or miscibility of animal feed during processing. KOH is also used to clean and disinfect machines and equipment in animal feed production.
Potassium hydroxide in the construction industry
In the construction industry, potassium hydroxide is mainly used to produce potassium silicate, which is used as a binding agent in concrete, mortar and paints. It improves the strength, durability and water resistance of building materials. KOH is also used as a pH regulator and in the production of construction chemicals such as coatings and sealants.
Potassium hydroxide in the paper industry
In the paper industry, potassium hydroxide is required for the preparation of pulp and for regulating the pH value during the production process. It helps to remove impurities, soften the fibres and improve the quality of the end product. The substance is also used in the manufacture of speciality papers and coated products.
Potassium hydroxide in water treatment
In water treatment, potassium hydroxide is used to regulate the pH value in order to neutralise acidity and create optimum conditions for chemical processes. It is also used to remove heavy metals, CO₂ and other impurities.
Potassium hydroxide in the energy industry
Potassium hydroxide plays a central role in various applications in the energy industry. It is used as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries such as nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries. In hydrogen production, KOH is used in electrolysis to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
It is also used in fuel cells. In addition, potassium hydroxide acts as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel by transesterification of vegetable oils and is used in exhaust gas purification to absorb CO₂ and other acid gases in emission control systems.
Potassium hydroxide in the lubricant industry
In the lubricant industry, potassium hydroxide is mainly used to produce potassium soaps, which are used as thickeners in lubricating greases. Potassium soaps also give the lubricants high temperature resistance and water solubility, for example for use in industrial machining processes such as metalworking and as a coolant for machines.
Potassium hydroxide in the polymer industry
In the polymer industry, potassium hydroxide is used as a catalyst and pH regulator in polymerisation processes. It supports the production of polyurethanes, epoxy resins and other special polymers by controlling chemical reactions and optimising material properties. The substance is also used in the synthesis of monomers and additives required in polymer processing.
Potassium hydroxide in the rubber and caoutchouc industry
In the rubber and caoutchouc industry, potassium hydroxide is primarily used as a catalyst and cleaning agent. It is used in the production of synthetic rubber by supporting polymerisation reactions and is used to remove impurities from latex or rubber materials.
KOH also helps to adjust the pH value during processing and in the production of chemicals that act as vulcanisation accelerators.
Potassium hydroxide in the textile industry
Potassium hydroxide is used in the textile industry to clean and pre-treat textile fibres. It is used to remove natural oils, fats and waxes from raw textiles, thus improving the fibres' absorption capacity for dyes and other chemical treatments.
Potassium hydroxide is also used to regulate the pH value in various textile processing operations. It is also used in the production of synthetic fibres and in the synthesis of certain dyes and printing chemicals. It supports the fixation of dyes on fibres.
KOH is also required in the synthesis of chemicals used as auxiliaries in textile processing, such as softeners and flame retardants. It is also used in the finishing of textiles to optimise fabric properties such as softness, smoothness and shine.
Potassium hydroxide is also used in the production of biopolymers in textiles and in the recycling of used textiles.
