Potassium hydroxide – Product Overview

Potassium hydroxide (KOH), commonly known as caustic potash, is the largest-volume potassium chemical for non-fertilizer use. It is produced by the electrolysis of potassium chloride with membrane cell technology. Co-products are chlorine and hydrogen.

A strong alkali, Potassium Hydroxide is available in both liquid and dry forms. It has applications in fertilizers, batteries, soaps and detergents, speciality glasses and other industrial operations. It also serves as a chemical intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals and photographic chemicals.

Potassium Hydroxide is a highly corrosive and reactive chemical. It can be irritating to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract. Please see the health and safety data sheet below for further information.

Standard Products available

Product	* Strength	Grade	Shipment Size (tonnes)
Potassium Hydroxide	50%	Foodgrade	15 to 27
Potassium Hydroxide	35%	Foodgrade	15 to 27
Potassium Hydroxide	30%	Foodgrade	15 to 25

Manufacture of Product

Potassium Hydroxide is manufactured using electrolysis utilising membrane cell technology. Potassium salt in the form of brine is electrolysed to produce Potassium Hydroxide, Chlorine and Hydrogen. The solution is typically 32% in strength which is concentrated to 50% using evaporation.

Product Uses

Potassium Hydroxide’s primary applications are in the following industries

• Fertilizers
• Batteries
• Chemical cleaning products
• Speciality glasses
• Dyes
• Photographic Chemicals

Product Profile Sheets and Safety Data Sheets

Both product profile sheets and safety data sheets can be requested online via our product listings page here. They will issue almost instantly.