What is citric acid used for in industrial applications?

1、Citric acid is mainly used as acidifier, solubiliser, buffer, antioxidant, deodoriser, flavour enhancer, gelling agent, colour mixing agent, etc. In addition, citric acid has the functions of inhibiting bacteria, colour protection, improving flavour and promoting the conversion of sucrose. In addition, citric acid has the function of inhibiting bacteria, protecting colour, improving flavour and promoting the conversion of sucrose.

2, Citric acid also has chelating effect, can remove some harmful metals. Citric acid can prevent oxidation caused by enzyme catalysis and metal catalysis, thus stopping frozen fruits from changing colour and flavour.

3, in food additives are mainly used in carbonated beverages, juice drinks, lactic acid drinks and other refreshing beverages and pickled products, and its demand is subject to seasonal climate changes. Citric acid accounts for about 2/3 of the total consumption of acidulants.

4, adding citric acid to canned fruit can maintain or improve the flavour of the fruit in the collection, improve the acidity of certain fruits with low acidity when canned, weaken the heat resistance of microorganisms and inhibit their growth, and prevent the bacterial swelling and damage that often occurs in canned fruit with low acidity.

Citric acid in the chemical and textile industries

Citric acid is used in chemical technology as a reagent for chemical analysis, as a laboratory reagent, as a chromatographic reagent and as a biochemical reagent; as a complexing agent, as a masking agent; for the preparation of buffer solutions. The use of citric acid or citric acid salts as auxiliary detergents improves the performance of detergent products.

It can rapidly precipitate metal ions, prevent pollutants from reattaching to fabrics and maintain the necessary alkalinity for washing; disperse and suspend dirt and ash; improve the performance of surfactants and is an excellent chelating agent; can be used as a reagent to test the acid resistance of architectural ceramic tiles.

Formaldehyde pollution of garments is already a sensitive issue, citric acid and modified citric acid can be made into a formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle finishing agent for cotton fabrics. Not only does it have a good anti-wrinkle effect, but it is also low cost.

Precautions

1. Industrial hazards

Health hazards: Concentrated solutions of citric acid are irritating to mucous membranes. In industrial use, eczema may be caused by contact;

Flammability hazard: Citric acid is flammable. The powder and the air can form an explosive mixture, in contact with open fire, high heat or oxidizing agents, there is a risk of combustion and explosion.

2、Storage conditions

Citric acid monohydrate loses its crystalline water in dry air or when heated to about 40°C. There is slight deliquescence in wet air and dilute aqueous citric acid solutions can ferment when left to stand. Therefore, solid monohydrate compounds or anhydrous substances should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.