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 Uses of Phosphates today
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Food and Beverages

Finished Product

Ingredient

Phosphate Function
Baked Goods
Baking Powder                         Self-rising Flour Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate Acid-Base reaction with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide (CO2)
Cakes                                      Baking Mixes (Waffles, Pancake, Muffin) Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate (Acidic) Moderate action leavening; double action leavening
Cake Donuts                           Batter And Breading  Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate  Fast action Leavening
Refrigerated Dough       Frozen dough/batters Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate , Sodium Aluminum Phosphate (Acidic) Heat activated leavening
Reduced Sodium Baking  Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Acid Pyrophosphate  Acid-Base reaction with bicarbonate to produce CO2, Calcium enrichment. 
Beverages
Colas Phosphoric Acid Acidulant
Chocolate Milk Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Suspend cocoa
Dry Mixes Tricalcium Phosphate Prevent caking; clouding agent
Buttermilk Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Disodium Phosphate Maintain protein dispersion
Fruit Juices  Tricalcium Phosphate Calcium and Phosphorus fortification
Sports Drinks  Monopotassium Phosphate,  Monosodium Phosphate Provide electrolytes (Na, K); pH buffering
Canned Milk, UHT Milk  Disodium Phosphate. Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Protein Stabilization
Soy Beverages Tricalcium Phosphate Calcium and Phosphorus fortification
Strawberry Flavor Milk Tetrasodium Pyrohosphate
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate		 Bind iron to maintain pink color
Cereals
Cooked Cereals Disodium Phosphate,   Tricalcium Phosphate Decrease cooking time; Calcium and Phosphorus fortification
Extruded, Dry Cereals Disodium Phosphate, Trisodium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate Aid in the flow through extruder; Cereal color modification; calcium and phosphorus fortification
Dairy Products
Cottage Cheese Phosphoric Acid Direct set by acidification
Cheese Dips and Sauces Disodium Phosphate, Trisodium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Emulsifying Action
Cheese Slices Disodium Phosphate, Trisodium Phosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Emulsifying Action
Cheese Powders  Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Protein Stabilization
Grated Cheese  Tricalcium Phosphate Flow Aid
Cheese Starter Cultures Disodium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate Inhibit Bacteriophage
Whey Processing Sodium Hexametaphosphate  Calcium complexation
Imitation Cheese Disodium Phosphate, Trisodium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Emulsifying Action
Non-dairy creamer Dipotassium Phosphate Buffer for smooth mixing into coffee
Whipped topping Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Improve dairy protein foaming property
Instant Puddings, No-bake cheesecakes Monocalcium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Protein coagulant 
Ice Cream (Hard, soft, imitation), Frozen dessert  Disodium Phosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Protein stabilization, prevent churning
Reduced Sodium Dairy  Dipotassium Phosphate, Tripotassium Phosphate, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate, Potassium Tripolyphosphate Same function as Sodium salts, Potassium enrichment 
Egg Products
Whole Egg  Monosodium Phosphate, Monopotassium Phosphate Color stability
Egg Yolk  Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate  Inhibit rancidity 
Egg whites Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Improve whipping, foam stability
Fruit and Vegetables
Canned Fruits  Monocalcium Phosphate Maintain firmness
Vegetables (frozen or canned)  Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate  Texture modification (increase firmness or tenderness)
Peanuts  Sodium Hexametaphoshate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate  Soften shell 
Meat Products
Ham, corned beef Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate/Sodium Hexametaphosphate Blends Maintain meat juiciness and shelf life
Sausage, franks, bologna

Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate

 Emulsion Stabilization, Cure color development
Roast beef Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Maintain meat juiciness and shelf life
Reduced Sodium Meat  Potassium Tripolyphosphate , Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate Maintain meat juiciness and shelf life
Pasta and Noodles
Pasta products Disodium Phosphate Decrease cook time
Instant fried Noodles Sodium Tripolyphosphate Improve noodle mouth feel 
Pet Food
Cat Food Phosphoric Acid pH adjustment 
Canned Food (for both canines and felines)  Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Solubilize protein to enhance flavor
Pet Treats Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Tartar control 
Potatoes
French Fries, Mashed Potatoes, Hash browns, Potato flakes Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate Bind iron to inhibit iron induced blackening
Baked Potato Chips  Monocalcium Phosphate Create surface bubbles
Poultry Products
Poultry products Sodium Tripolyphosphate; Sodium Tripolyphosphate/Sodium Hexametaphosphate Blends Moisture binding
Restructured poultry Products, Poultry Sausage Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate Emulsion Stabilization
Reduced Sodium Poultry products Potassium Tripolyphosphate , Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate Same function as Sodium salts, Potassium enrichment 
Carcass wash Trisodium Phosphate Antibacterial 
Seafood     
Shrimp (Frozen or Cooked)  Sodium Tripolyphosphate Moisture retention, Deshelling aid 
Scallop, Fish Fillets  Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Moisture retention and flavor 
Canned Crab Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate Bind copper from blood to prevent discoloration
Canned Tuna Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate Adjust pH to prevent struvite formation (crystals that look like glass)
Surimi Sodium Tripolyphosphate/Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Blends Cryoprotectant for protein
Reduced Sodium Sea foods Potassium Tripolyphosphate , Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate Same function as Sodium salts

Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products

Finished Product

Ingredient

Phosphate Function
Vitamins and Mineral supplements  Tricalcium Phosphate, Dimagnesium Phosphate Provide Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus
Prescription and Over the Counter (OTC) Tablets Dicalcium Phosphate, Tricalcium phosphate Inert ingredient to fill and bind tablets
Toothpaste Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous Polishing agent 
Tartar Control Gels and Pastes Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Tartar control
Ophthalmic Mono- and Di- sodium phosphates, Mono and Di-potassium phosphates Buffers to maintain a given pH
Tube Feedings Monopotassium Phosphate, Mono- and Di- sodium phosphates Potassium and/or Sodium replacing ingredient
Intravenous Fluids Monopotassium Phosphate Potassium replacing electrolyte
Mouthwash Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Tartar control ingredients
Skin Care Cosmetics  Mono- and Di- sodium phosphates, Mono and Di-potassium phosphates Buffers to maintain a given pH
Effervescent Tablets Monocalcium Phosphate Production of carbon dioxide (CO2) via acid-base reaction with sodium bicarbonate
Bath Crystals Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate Water softening agent

Other Important Uses

Finished Product

Ingredient

Phosphate Function
Antifreeze Dipotassium Phosphate Resistant to temperature extremes and buffer to maintain alkaline pH
Asphalt Modification Polyphosphoric Acid Modifies paving grade asphalt to meet performance requirements
Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Sodium Tripolyphosphate Softens water, suspends soil and serves as an anti-spotting agent
Boiler Water Sodium or Potassium Tripolyphosphate; Sodium Hexametaphosphate; Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Prevent the build up of scale in boilers; remove scale that may have accumulated
Car Wash Detergent Sodium Tripolyphosphate Softens water, removes soils and keeps soil from redepositing
Fire Extinguishers Mono- and Di- ammonium Phosphates Fire retardant
Flat Panel Displays Phosphoric Acid Etchant and cleaner
Heavy Duty Cleaners Trisodium Phosphates, Tetra- Sodium and Potassium Pyrophosphates, Sodium Potassium Pyrophosphate Remove oils and greases
Industrial and Institutional Cleaners Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Softens water, dissolves fats and oils and keeps them from redepositing
Integrated Circuitry Phosphoric Acid Etchant and cleaner
Latex Paint Sodium Potassium Tripolyphosphate, Potassium Tripolyphosphate Dispersing Agent
Milk Scale Removal Phosphoric Acid Dissolves calcium based milk scale on dairy processing equipment
Organic Synthesis Polyphosphoric Acid Production of phosphate esters and catalysts in organic reactions; Synthesis of dyes
Paint and Wall Cleaner Trisodium Phosphate, Dodecahydrate Removes oil, grease and soils
Metal Cleaning Phosphoric Acid, Monosodium Phosphate Remove grease and coatings prior to painting
Metal Finishing (Anodizing) Phosphoric Acid Creates bright, shiny finish to metal
Water Softening Sodium HexametaphosphateSodium Tripolyphosphate Bind Calcium and Magnesium
Water Treatment Phosphoric AcidSodium Acid Pyrophosphate
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate		 Form surface coating on pipes to prevent leaching of lead; sequester minerals as iron
Oil Drilling Sodium Hexametaphosphate Make drilling muds more flowable
Fertilizers Monoammonium Phosphate; Diammonium Phosphate; Dipotassium Phosphate Nutrients for plant growth
Citric Acid Fermentations Dipotassium Phosphate Growth factor
Cotton Processing Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Bind iron and vanadium that hinder peroxide bleach
Synthetic Rubber Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate Catalyst for butadiene and styrene
Styrofoam Production Tricalcium Phosphate Polymerization aid
Gypsum Wallboard Sodium Trimetaphosphate Firming of the composition board
Modified Starch Sodium Tripolyphosphate; Sodium Trimetaphosphate Produce starch mono- and di- esters in sealers and coatings
Paper Processing Sodium Tripolyphosphate; Sodium Hexametaphosphate Dispersants for coating loads, colorants and resins
Ceramics Tricalcium Phosphate Impart opalescent
Oven Proof Bakeware Tricalcium Phosphate Impart heat resistance
Photocopier Toner Tricalcium Phosphate Dispersing agent
Industrial Sodium Chloride Tricalcium Phosphate Anticaking agent
Refractory Phosphoric Acid Impart heat resistance for processing in the steel industry
Cement Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Monofluorophosphate Retard or delay the thickening of cement slurries especially when poured at great depths
Dyeing Wool Diammonium Phosphate Control of pH in dye bath to allow even penetration of dye through the wool

 
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