Ammonium Persulphate

Ammonium persulfate is an inorganic compound. It is a white salt that is highly soluble in water. It is a strong oxidizing agent that is used in polymer chemistry, as an etchant, and as a cleaning and bleaching agent e.g. for making hair bleaches for the cosmetics industry. It is used for the production of dyes, for oil and gas exploration (mine fracturing), for the decolorisation, bleaching, and deodorisation of cooking oils and as a wheat ripener.

Synonyms: Ammonium Peroxydisulfate, APS, Diammonium peroxodisulphate, diammonium persulfate, diammonium {[(oxidooxy)sulfonyl]oxy}sulfonate
Chemical Formula: (NH4)2S2O8
CAS Number: 7727-54-0

Characteristics

Molar Weight: 228.18g/mol

Melting Point: 120°C

Density: 1.98 g/cm³

Forms: Crystals, White

Uses and Applications

Key applications

Coatings
Plastics and polymers
Oxidising agent
Cleaning products
Adhesives and Sealants
Etching & Engraving
Textile handling
Cosmetic products
Electronics

Industries

General information about ammonium persulphate

Ammonium persulphate is also known as ammonium peroxodisulphate. It is a synthetic compound that is produced exclusively on an industrial scale. Ammonium persulphate is used in many different industries, mainly as a strong oxidising agent.

Properties of ammonium persulphate

Ammonium persulphate is a salt of peroxodisulphuric acid. The chemical compound consists of two ammonium ions and one peroxodisulphate ion. Ammonium persulphate is very reactive, it quickly forms compounds with other substances. Ammonium persulphate forms white crystals with a slight green fluorescence and is soluble in water. It is produced by electrolysis of an ammonium sulphate solution.

Due to its high oxygen content, ammonium persulphate is a strong bleaching and oxidising agent as well as a strong radical generator. The substance must be stored in a dry place as it decomposes in a humid environment or in warm, aqueous solutions, releasing ozone.

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Ammonium persulphate in the plastics industry

Ammonium persulphate can change the physical and chemical properties of polymers. It is mainly used in the plastics and polymer industry as an initiator for polymerisation.

The polymers produced in this way in various processes are used as adhesives and sealants, synthetic latexes and PVC, amongst others.

Ammonium persulphate in the rubber and caoutchouc industry

Ammonium persulphate plays an important role in the production of rubber and caoutchouc. It optimises the physical and chemical properties of rubber and caoutchouc for the specific requirements of various applications such as the tyre and sealing industry.

Ammonium persulphate also serves as an initiator of polymerisation in the rubber and caoutchouc industry. This results in products such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), an important component in the manufacture of tyres and other rubber products.

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Ammonium persulphate in the energy sector

Ammonium persulphate is mainly used in the energy industry as a strong oxidising agent that helps to improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy processes in various applications.

It is used for the production and modification of electrode materials for batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, and fuel cells.

In the oil and gas industry, ammonium persulphate is used to optimise enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. It is also used in the cleaning and maintenance of power plants. In the manufacture of photovoltaic cells (solar cells), it is used ort he surface treatment and cleaning of silicon wafers.

Ammonium persulphate in the cleaning industry

Ammonium persulphate is used in cleaning agents due to its strong oxidising properties. As a disinfectant, it destroys the cell walls of microorganisms and thus kills them. In stain removers, ammonium persulphate removes stubborn stains such as coffee, tea, wine and grass. In laundry bleaching agents, the substance brightens and cleans textiles.

Ammonium persulphate in agriculture

Ammonium persulphate is used in agriculture as a soil conditioner, amongst others. It optimises the soil structure and increases its fertility. The oxidising properties of ammonium persulphate break down organic substances in the soil, increasing the availability of nutrients for plants.

In seed treatment, ammonium persulphate improves the germination capacity of seeds. It is also used in combination with other chemicals as a component of plant protection products.

Ammonium persulphate in the cosmetics industry

Ammonium persulphate is mainly used in cosmetic products as a bleaching and oxidising agent. For example, it is used in hair dyes and bleaching agents, where it oxidises the natural pigments in the hair and thus lightens it.

In depilatory products, ammonium persulphate is used as an oxidising agent to weaken the hair structure and make hair easier to remove.

In chemical peeling products, ammonium persulphate also acts as an oxidising agent that removes dead skin cells and smooths the skin surface.

Further areas of application

Ammonium persulphate in the food industry

Ammonium persulphate is used in the food industry as an oxidising agent. It improves the gluten structure of dough and leads to improved elasticity and dough strength. It also increases the volume ft he dough and optimises the texture ft he end product. Ammonium persulphate is also used as a bleaching agent for baked goods such as white bread.

Ammonium persulphate in the paper industry

Ammonium persulphate acts as a bleaching agent in pulp and paper production. It is also used as a strong oxidising agent that breaks down organic impurities and thus improves the quality of the pulp.

The substance is also used as a dispersing agent to distribute fibres and fillers evenly in the pulp (mixture of water and fibres), which leads to better paper quality.

Ammonium persulphate modifies the surface chemistry of cellulose fibres, increasing their bonding capacity and thus the strength ft he paper.

Ammonium persulphate in the water industry

Ammonium persulphate oxidises organic and inorganic impurities in water. Harmful substances such as phenols, pesticides, colourants and other organic compounds in drinking and waste water or in water systems such as swimming pools are broken down and bacteria, viruses and fungi are killed.

Ammonium persulphate in the construction industry

Ammonium persulphate is used as an additive in concrete mixes to improve the strength and durability of the concrete. It is also used in the production of coatings and protective agents for buildings. It acts as an initiator in the polymerisation of coating materials that are applied to concrete, steel and other building materials to protect them from corrosion, water and chemicals. Ammonium persulphate also removes old paints and coatings before new layers are applied.