What is sulphuric acid used for?
Sulphuric acid, also known as H?SO?, is one of the most widely used chemicals globally, with applications spanning various industries from agriculture to manufacturing. Known for its corrosive nature and potency, sulphuric acid plays a crucial role in modern industry and daily life.
Essential applications in agriculture and manufacturing
A significant proportion of sulphuric acid produced worldwide is utilised in agriculture, predominantly in fertiliser production. It is vital for manufacturing phosphate fertilisers such as ammonium sulphate and superphosphate of lime, dramatically boosting crop yields and improving nutritional quality. Its widespread use underscores the global agricultural sector’s dependency on this chemical, particularly as food production requirements escalate with increasing population demands.
In the manufacturing sector, sulphuric acid is a key component in metal processing, especially in the steel and iron industries, where it’s used for ‘pickling’ – a cleaning process that removes oxidation before metals are plated or coated. Moreover, it plays a fundamental role in chemical synthesis, serving as a starting material for numerous products including hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid. A UK government guide further highlights its varied chemical properties and safe handling requirements.
Everyday uses and specialised surface treatments
Beyond large-scale industrial processes, sulphuric acid is prevalent in various consumer products, notably in cleaning solutions. Its corrosive properties make it particularly effective in removing stubborn blockages such as hair and grease from drains. Additionally, it appears in diluted forms in detergents, soaps, and even cosmetics, underscoring its versatility.
In more specialised contexts, sulphuric acid is utilised extensively in processes like sulphuric acid anodising, a technique that creates durable, corrosion-resistant finishes on aluminium components. This anodising process, as explained at poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/anodising/sulphuric-acid-anodising, significantly enhances surface characteristics, making metals suitable for aerospace, automotive, and architectural applications.
Further uses include lead-acid batteries, particularly those in vehicles and heavy machinery, where sulphuric acid acts as an electrolyte to facilitate chemical reactions producing electrical energy.
Overall, sulphuric acid’s multifaceted applications – from enhancing agricultural productivity to critical roles in everyday products and advanced industrial treatments – demonstrate why it remains indispensable across numerous sectors.
