Learn about the properties and use of liquid ammonia

Ammonia is a substance that has a very wide range of applications. It is used e.g. in agriculture, textile and technical industries. It is commercially available both in pure form and in an aqueous solution called ammonia water . Find out where liquid ammonia is used and what its properties are.

Physicochemical properties of ammonia

Ammonia is an inorganic chemical compound that occurs in gaseous form under typical conditions. Its molecule consists of a trivalent nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. It dissolves very well in water and other solvents such as ethanol or diethyl ether.

Ammonia is a flammable gas, and in its concentrated form it is also highly corrosive. It was first discovered in the 4th century BC by the Egyptians and since then humanity has been using it in many industries. An aqueous solution of ammonia is especially often used.

What is ammonia water ?

Ammonia water is nothing more than a common name for an aqueous solution of ammonia , most often in a 1:4 ratio (one part ammonia to four parts water). The fluid is alkaline and its density depends on the temperature and concentration of the solution. Heating ammonia water leads to the evolution of ammonia gas.

On an industrial scale , liquid ammonia is obtained by dissolving pure ammonia in demineralized water. This guarantees the best combination of both components and allows you to obtain a precisely planned concentration.

Application of aqueous ammonia solution in industry

The most common fields of application of ammonia water are agriculture, textiles and cosmetics.

Thanks to the high content of nitrogen, ammonium solution is an essential component of many fertilizers that improve soil parameters and make it more fertile and better saturated with nutrients important for plants.

The compound in technical quality is also used in the textile industry for dyeing:

• natural fabrics;
• synthetic materials;
• tanning products.

The solution allows to obtain practically any color. In the context of dyeing, it is worth noting that some artists who carve wood or make furniture from this natural material still use ammonia water - or more precisely ammonium smoke rising from it - to give it color.

Ammonia solution is a popular additive used in hair dyes as a brightener, color enhancer and so-called. transition promoter, i.e. a compound that supports the adhesion of active ingredients. It has a strong oxidizing effect on the hair, opening their cuticles. Thanks to this, the paint particles adhere better, and the durability of such treatment is greater. Slightly less frequently, it is also used as a pH regulator or an element of a fragrance composition, masking the natural aroma of selected ingredients.

The use of ammonia is important from the point of view of the defense industry. It is used to make explosives. The compound ignites at 630°C.

In turn, in the rubber industry, it is an essential element of the technological process of such products as seals, tires or wiper blades.

Use of ammonia solution at home

In addition to its wide industrial use , liquid ammonia is also used on a daily basis at home.

Ammonia solution as a cleaning agent

First of all , the ammonia solution can be used as a liquid for cleaning surfaces, especially glaze and ceramic elements. Its action is much gentler than the popular products that you will find in supermarkets. Therefore, when using it, you do not risk damaging, dulling or increasing the roughness of decorative tiles or discoloration of joints.

The use of ammonium compounds will also make dirt or mold appear on the surface more and more slowly over time.

A water solution based on ammonia will perfectly cope with any greasy dirt. It is a popular ingredient in ecological preparations for cleaning windows and glass. It will deal with cleaning the glass pane in no time, leaving behind a transparent and crystal-clear surface.

In the kitchen, a food grade ammonia solution can be used as a cheap and quick way to clean metal pots, pans, platters and cutlery.

Remember to always ventilate the whole apartment well after using a water solution of ammonia . During operation, a gas will be released, i.e. ammonia. Although in small concentrations it is associated at most with an unpleasant smell, in large amounts it can lead to severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat, eyes and nose.

As a cleaning agent, ammonia solution will also work in the garden. Effectively removes rust, verdigris or verdigris deposits. With its help, you can quickly clean tiles or fences and prepare them for painting.

Ammonia water as bleach

You can use liquid ammonia as a natural bleach. If you do not want to use synthetic products (e.g. due to your child's allergies), soaking clothes in a mild ammonium-based solution will help get rid of stubborn stains.

Remember not to soak fabrics for too long as this can damage the fibres. Finally, rinse the material well under running water to avoid irritation.

Where to buy liquid ammonia ?

If you are looking for a supplier of ammonia water for your company, check the offer of the chemical wholesaler distripark.com. We sell high-grade technical grade ammonium hydroxide at a concentration of 25%. You can use it for technological processes without any prior preparation.

We sell the product both in single canisters with a capacity of 20 l and in standardized IBC containers with a capacity of 700 l. In this way, you can easily adjust the size of the order to the needs of your business.

Check the distripark.com offer and take advantage of professional technical and logistic advice.