Phosphates

For more than a century since its founding in 1897, Dow has pioneered commercial success as an industry-leading materials science company. Today, Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure and consumer care.

Dow combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company. Dow’s ability to innovate at the intersection of chemistry, engineering and material science has brought solutions that differentiate its customers while positively impacting the world. These include lightweight carbon fibers for cars, technology to more efficiently produce cleaner water and packaging solutions that help make food safer and stay fresh longer.

Agriculture: Phosphates are a crucial component of fertilizers, providing essential nutrients for plant growth and development. They are used in the production of phosphate fertilizers, such as superphosphates and ammonium phosphates.

Food and Beverage: Phosphates are widely used as food additives, serving as leavening agents, emulsifiers, and stabilizers. They are found in baked goods, processed meats, dairy products, and beverages.

Water Treatment: Phosphates are employed in water treatment processes for various purposes, including corrosion control, scale prevention, and pH adjustment. They are used in boiler water treatment and cooling tower systems.

Detergents and Cleaning Products: Phosphates are used as builders and chelating agents in detergents and cleaning products, enhancing their cleaning efficiency and preventing mineral buildup.

Metal Treatment: Phosphates are utilized in metal treatment processes, such as metal surface preparation, rust prevention, and metal finishing. They are used in electroplating, anodizing, and metal cleaning operations.

Flame Retardants: Certain phosphate compounds are used as flame retardants in various materials, including plastics, textiles, and construction materials, due to their ability to inhibit combustion.

Ceramics and Glass: Phosphates are used as flux agents in the production of ceramics and glass, lowering the melting temperature and improving the workability of the materials.

Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: Phosphates are employed in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, serving as buffers, stabilizers, and excipients in various products.

Energy Storage: Phosphates, such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), are used in the production of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.