Detailed information on formic acid and its uses

- Industrial Guidance : Dhiru Parekh

Formic acid- (hydrogen carboxylic acid, methanoic acid).

Porpty- Colorless, fuming liquid, penetrating order, soluble in water, alcohol and ether.

Derivation- Distillation is done by treating sulfuric acid with sodium formate and sodium acid formate at low-temperature.

Uses- Textile dyeing, finishing, leather treatment, insect side, lacquer, electroplating, brewing (antiseptic), silvering glass, thickening of natural latex and vinyl resin plasticizer.

Formic Acid - Formic acid protects the foodstuff against spoilage and toxin-causing microorganisms. - Helps remove paint and rust from metallic surfaces. Also works to remove scale of kettle (kettle) and boiler. Used as a brewery and winery disinfectant.

- Used in pharmaceutical industries for PS regulators and for cleaning purposes. Which helps in removing dust. Formic acid is biodegradable.

- Formic acid is used extensively in leather industries. Here this acid works by de-greasing and removing hair from the leather. Formic acid is also used as a dyeing additive.

- We have 6 to 7 thousand leather tanneries in India. In which formic acid is used in abundance.

- Formic acid helps in milky white and thickening of latex in rubber plantation production. Also used in truck and car tire manufacturing.

- Formic acid is very useful in the farm and animal feed industries in Central and Northern Europe.

- Sales volume of formic acid in cattle feed is increasing since last 2003. Formic acid is used in cattle feed to preserve grass and keep it fresh. Which helps in keeping fodder green and fresh. It helps in keeping fodder silage for a long time. In a humic climate, grass spoils quickly. Because of this, it is preserved with formic acid.

- Addition of formic acid to grass increases milk yield. Formic acid breaks down carbon dioxide and moisture in the grass. Due to this the grass stays green and fresh. Which is a biodegradable property.

- According to the new development formic acid salts which formate - diformate, potassium diformate have antibacterial effect in animal nutrition. Maybe replace it as a feed antibiotic. Natural growth of di-formate is promoted for pigs.

- Formic acid is a type of de-icing agent containing formate that helps melt ice and snow.

And its effect lasts for a long time. Which gives aircraft grip during take off and landing. Hence these products are biodegradable.

- Formic base paint remover- Paint remover can be made with formic acid, alcohol, emulsifier.

- Formic base scale remover- Boiler scale remover can be made with formic acid, sulfamic acid descalants.

- Formic Base Disinfectant :- Disinfectant can be made with formic acid, ether, emulsifier and water.

- License :- The license under the Industries Act and clearance from Pollution Control Board is required.