Phosphorus is a common non-metal which is a component of many natural, industrial, consumer and chemical applications and processes. One of its most important uses is as the main component in DNA, and its presence ensures healthy growth in plants, animals and humans. As a rare resource in the global market, phosphorus is an essential element with many benefits. Phosphorus is highly reactive and is never naturally found on its own (its elemental form), but always surrounded by other atoms. It is most commonly found bonded to oxygen, which is known as the phosphate ion.
There are many different allotropes of phosphorus (different crystalline structures), which generally form from different combinations of heat, light, pressure and impurities.
Application of Phosphorus in Agriculture
Phosphorus takes a rightful place in successful plant growth. It facilitates photosynthesis and plays a vital role in development and cell division. Since plants may not absorb enough phosphorus naturally through roots, it is commercially produced in fertilisers. Fertilisers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (known as NPK fertilisers) are very important for plants because these three elements are required in the highest abundance.
The extreme weathering and tropical acidic soils found in Australia accelerate the binding between phosphorus to other metals, meaning it becomes unavailable for plants to absorb. Therefore Australian farmers use fertilisers with a higher phosphorus concentration than those in North America and/or Europe.
The symptoms of phosphorous deficiency are red pigmentation, slowed plant growth and stunted roots. Phosphorus is combined with other minerals or used as ammonium compounds as DAP, MAP and APP (Ammonium Polyphosphate) or with potassium in Mono Potassium Phosphate (MKP). The combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) helps maintain fruit and flower production and enhances plant disease resistance.
Application of Phosphorus in the Construction Industry
Bisley supplies a number of phosphates for the construction industry including sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), monocalcium phosphate (MCP), triisobutyl phosphate (TIBP) and tributyl phosphate (TBP). STMP is used to enhance quality by minimising the quantity of natural polymer required in the plasterboard industry, MCP is an admixture additive added in small amounts and TIBP and TBP are defoamers in concrete admixture, drymix and plasterboard.
Phosphonates act as concrete retarders because they delay the setting time of cement. This gives enough time for concrete pouring and helps prevent cracks resulting from high temperatures. Phosphonates also enhance concrete sulphate resistance, frost resistance, and strength. They exhibit excellent chelating, stabilising and defoaming ability as well as corrosion and scale inhibition properties, mainly when exposed to sulphates, carbonates and phosphates. Phosphonates are used as retarders in admixture and dry mix and defoamers in drymix.
Phosphorus-based acids, for example phosphorus or phosphoric acids are commonly used as cement retarders and plasticisers, corrosion and scale inhibitors, chelating agents and deflocculating agents (ATMP only). Phosphorus- based acids Bisley provides are aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP), HEDP, DTPMP and PAPEMP.
Shop Quality Phosphorous Products at Bisley Company
Whether you are looking for phosphates for fertiliser production or antifoam agents and deformers like Triisobutyl Phosphate for the construction industry, Bisley Company has a solution for you. We have local people in source markets and countries to help us meet the needs of our growing customer base.
Don’t let anything stop you from formulating the desired product, not even the global shortage of phosphorus. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find suitable raw materials for your products. Check out our range of products in Agrichemicals and Construction & Building Materials.