Introduction:
Sodium triphosphate (STP, sometimes STPP or sodium
tripolyphosphate or TPP)is an inorganic compound with
formula Na5P3O10. It is the sodium salt of the
polyphosphate penta-anion, which is the conjugate base of
triphosphoric acid. It is produced on a large scale as a
component of many domestic and industrial products,
especially detergents. Environmental problems associated
with eutrophication is attributed to its widespread use.
Uses:
1.The majority of STPP is consumed as a component of
commercial detergents. It serves as a "builder," industrial
jargon for a water softener.
2.STPP is a preservative for seafood, meats, poultry, and
animal feeds.In foods, STPP is used to retain moisture.
3.Other uses (hundreds of thousands of tons/year) include
"ceramics, leather (as Synthetic Tanning Agent),
anticaking, setting retarders, flame retardants, paper,
anticorrosion pigments, textiles, rubber manufacture,
fermentation, antifreeze.