What Are The Five Industrial Uses Of Potassium Carbonate?

Thanks to chemical processing, natural minerals, such as potassium, lithium and sodium, can be used for a multitude of purposes. Potassium, in particular, is very useful and, over the years, has been used in a number of industrial applications. 

To find out more about what these are and how we benefit from potassium in our everyday lives, read on. 

Fertilisers

As potassium is a naturally-occurring mineral that is needed by the body to ensure the nerves and muscles are functioning properly, it can also benefit other living things as well, including plants. 

This is why it is a popular choice for fertilisers, as it assists with the movement of nutrients in plants. It encourages enzyme activation, boosting the protein, starch and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which regulates photosynthesis. 

It is also good at encouraging the opening and closing of the stomata, helping the plant regulate the water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. 

Potassium can also boost root growth, reduces water loss and wilting, lowers respiration, increases the plants’ protein content, builds cellulose, strengthens drought resistance, and retards crop diseases. 

Therefore, adding potassium to soil helps with the absorption of the mineral, helping improve the health and robustness of the plants. A potassium deficiency, on the other hand, could result in poor growth and a smaller yield of crop.

Soaps and detergents

At the same time as helping to nurture the growth of plants, potassium can be used in the manufacturing of soaps and detergents. 

This is because potassium carbonate, otherwise known as potash, forms an alkaline that can remove insoluble stains. The fats, such as grease or oil, are neutralised by the potassium, which means they can be removed with water. 

They also produce a lot of lather, making them an ideal source in liquid soaps and creams. 

As well as soaps, it is an effective washing detergent, particularly in hard water areas due to the fact that potassium carbonate is a water softener. 

Potassium chloride also helps dissolve the powder detergent in cold water, which is why it is often found on the ingredients list of laundry detergents. 

Household cleaning products

Potash can also be used for household cleaning products, as it can neutralise mineralised ions in the water. 

Magnesium and calcium stains often form around baths and sinks, especially in hard water areas due to the strong levels of these ions in the water. This can often combine with soap residue, leaving unsightly stains on the appliances over time. 

However, potassium carbonate can neutralise magnesium and calcium ions, helping to shift these unwanted marks with ease. 

Batteries 

Potassium can also be used to create an alternative to sodium or lithium batteries. The potassium ions can move the charge in the same way as lithium ions do. So, with limited lithium resources available these days, there may be more demand for potassium ion batteries in the future. 

The abundance of the mineral makes it an inexpensive and sustainable replacement. What’s more, its high energy density and reduced redox potential make this type of battery particularly appealing. 

Large-grid electrochemical energy storage systems could make good use of potassium ion rechargeable batteries in the future, as there are plentiful reserves of the mineral available. 

Glass production

Potassium shows its versatility as a mineral as it is also used for glass production. This is because potassium carbonate can boost the transparency and refractive coefficient of glass, making it appear clearer and stronger. 

It can be used to manufacture different types of glass, including glass utensils, Pyrex glass, optical glass, lead crystal glass and strengthened glass. 

For glass utensils and laboratory apparatus, for instance, potassium carbonate is combined with calcium carbonate and silica. This creates a hard glass that is able to withstand high temperatures, as well as exposure to acids. 

Pyrex glass also has a high temperature resistance thanks to being made from sodium carbonate, silica, borax and aluminium oxide, as well as potash. 

Potassium carbonate helps to make optical glass, used in cameras, glasses, telescopes and microscopes. This is because it has a high refractive index.

The mineral also helps to make lead crystal glass sparkle, due to its combination with lead oxide and silica. 

It is also responsible for making extremely strong and durable glass that can be used in aeroplanes, as it can withstand extreme conditions.