Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) 99% Pure 5lb

The major use for trisodium phosphate is in cleaning agents. The pH of a 1% solution is 12, and the solution is sufficiently alkaline to saponify grease and oils. In combination with surfactants, TSP is an excellent agent for cleaning everything from laundry to concrete driveways. This versatility and low manufacturing price, made TSP the preferred basis for a plethora of cleaning products sold in the mid-20th century. TSP is still sold, and used, as a cleaning agent, but during the late 1960s in the United States, government regulators in seventeen states determined that overuse led to a series of ecological problems with the damage to lakes and rivers through eutrophication being the most significant. TSP is commonly used after cleaning with mineral spirits in order to remove hydrocarbon residues. TSP may be used with household chlorine bleach in the same solution without hazardous reactions. This mixture is particularly good for removing mildew, but is ineffective at permanently removing mold. Although it is still the active ingredient in some toilet bowl cleaning tablets, TSP is generally not good for cleaning bathrooms, because it can stain metal and can damage grout. Flux In the United States, trisodium phosphate is an approved flux for use in hard soldering joints in medical grade copper plumbing. TSP is used as an ingredient in fluxes designed to deoxygenate nonferrous metals for casting. TSP can be used in ceramic production to lower the flow point of glazes. Painting enhancement TSP is still in common use for the cleaning, degreasing and deglossing of walls prior to painting. Food additive Sodium phosphates (monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, and trisodium phosphate) are approved as a food additive in the EU, E339.