Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)

Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) , also known as Sodium Tripolyphosphate 95% or Pentasodium Triphosphate, is a white granular or powdered inorganic compound. It acts as a powerful sequestrant and water softener in industrial and household applications. STPP is the additive of choice for:

Superior water softening (binds Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions)
Enhanced detergency (prevents redeposition of dirt)
Effective deflocculation in drilling muds
Scale inhibition in water treatment systems
Oil & grease prevention in paper and textile processing

Property	Specification
Chemical Formula	Na₅P₃O₁₀
Molecular Weight	367.86
Appearance	White granular or powder
Bulk Density	0.35 – 0.90 g/cm³
Melting Point	622°C
pH (1% solution)	9.2 – 10.0
Standard Grades	96% (Top Grade) / 90% / 85%

Recommended Applications

Household & Industrial Detergents
Automatic Dishwashing Tablets
Water Treatment (Boiler/Cooling Tower)
Drilling Mud Dispersant
Soap & Bar Soap Manufacturing
Clay & Ceramic Processing
Industrial Cleaning Formulations

Typical Dosage Guidelines

Application	Recommended Dosage	Function
Laundry Powder	10% – 25% of formula	Water softening & anti-redeposition
Dishwashing Detergent	15% – 30%	Soil suspension & glass protection
Boiler/Cooling Water	5 – 30 ppm	Scale inhibition
Drilling Mud	0.5 – 2.0 kg/m³	Viscosity control & deflocculation
Industrial Cleaner	5% – 15% of concentrate	Metal chelation & degreasing

Always run lab trials before batch production to optimize for ambient temperature, cement type, and target strength.

Try Our FREE STPP Sample

Experience the difference of high-purity Sodium Tripolyphosphate in your formulation.

At Tenessy, experience our Sodium Tripolyphosphate product firsthand with a FREE sample!
– Sample Size: 25kg or 50kg.
– Shipping: Fast via FedEx or DHL.
– Service: Expert formula adjustment support.

Why Use Sodium Tripolyphosphate in Detergents & Water Treatment?

Sequesters Hard Water Ions

STPP forms soluble complexes with calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and iron (Fe²⁺) ions. This prevents soap scum formation and allows surfactants to work efficiently even in hard water.

Prevents Dirt Redeposition

As an inorganic surfactant, STPP disperses and suspends loosened dirt particles, preventing them from settling back onto fabrics or surfaces during washing.

Enhances Bleaching Efficiency

In laundry powders and dishwashing formulas, STPP boosts the performance of oxygen-based bleaches, improving stain removal at lower temperatures.

Controls Scale in Water Systems

For cooling towers, boilers, and pipes, STPP acts as a threshold inhibitor, preventing calcium carbonate and sulfate scales from forming on equipment.

Performance Comparison: STPP vs. Other Builders

Feature	STPP (Sodium Tripolyphosphate)	Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)	Zeolite A
Calcium Binding Capacity	High (≥150 mg CaO/g)	Low (precipitation only)	Medium
Magnesium Binding	✅ Excellent	❌ Poor	❌ Very Poor
Anti-Redeposition	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Moderate
Alkalinity (1% pH)	9.2–10.0 (mild)	>11 (harsh)	10–11
Water Solubility	Fully soluble	Soluble	Insoluble
Works in Cold Water	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ Slow

Looking for a multifunctional builder? STPP offers solubility, sequestration, and dispersion in one molecule.

Why Industrial Buyers Choose Our STPP

✅ Factory-Direct Supply – Reduce costs with consistent, traceable quality from our ISO-certified plant.

✅ Custom Particle Sizing – Available in powder, fine granular, or medium granular (0.35–0.90 g/cm³ bulk density) to suit your mixing process.

✅ Global Logistics – Fast shipping via CFR, CIF, or FOB terms. Standard 25kg bags or jumbo bags with palletized options.

✅ Non-Toxic & Stable – Safe for handling with proper PPE. Store in dry, ventilated warehouses away from direct sunlight.

Real-World Case: Laundry Detergent Manufacturer

A Southeast Asian detergent producer switched from zeolite to 96% STPP in their powder formulation. Results:

✅ Reduced formulation cost by 12% (lower surfactant demand)

✅ Increased whiteness retention by 25% after 5 wash cycles

✅ Eliminated hard water residue on washing machine drums

✅ Stable pH during storage (no caking or decomposition)

STPP Packaging & Storage

We offer flexible packaging solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our calcium formate powder is available in:

25kg Bag

Standard powder packaging with moisture-proof function to ensure the stability of the product during transportation and storage.

Customized Packaging

TENESSY can also provide customized packaging services, including jumbo bags, paper bags, or branded OEM bags.

FAQ

Q1: Is STPP safe for use in dishwashing detergents?

Yes. STPP is widely used in automatic dishwashing detergents. It prevents filming on glassware and helps remove protein-based soils. Always follow local environmental regulations regarding phosphate use.

Q2: Does STPP decompose in water?

Yes. STPP gradually hydrolyzes to orthophosphate and pyrophosphate over time. The rate depends on temperature, pH, and residence time. For closed-loop systems, monitor phosphate levels regularly.

Q3: Can I use STPP with enzymes in laundry powder?

Absolutely. STPP stabilizes liquid enzymes and enhances protease/amylase activity by binding calcium ions that would otherwise inhibit enzyme function.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)