(Leather Tannery, Food Grade & Other Industries)
Ammonium bicarbonate is widely used in beam-house operations due to its mild alkalinity, buffering action, and ease of removal.
Used after liming to remove residual lime (Ca(OH)₂) from hides/skins
Gradually reduces pH without damaging collagen fibers
Produces soluble calcium salts that wash out easily
Improves grain quality and softness
Creates the ideal pH range (7.5–8.5) for proteolytic enzymes
Enhances enzyme efficiency during bating
Helps remove non-fibrous proteins and scud
Results in smoother grain and better stretch
Decomposes into ammonia, CO₂, and water
Lower risk of fiber damage compared to strong acids
Reduces salt load in tannery effluent when used correctly
Benefits in Tannery
Gentle and controllable action
Improved leather softness and cleanliness
Compatible with enzymatic processes
Food-grade ammonium bicarbonate is a classic leavening agent, especially in low-moisture baked goods.
Used in biscuits, crackers, cookies, and wafers
Decomposes during baking into gases, leaving no alkaline residue
Produces sharp rise and crisp texture
Creates uniform pores for light, crunchy products
Ideal for thin and dry bakery items
⚠️ Not recommended for moist cakes, as trapped ammonia odor may remain.
Advantages in Food Industry
Clean taste after proper baking
Fast action at baking temperatures
Cost-effective compared to some chemical leaveners
Nitrogen fertilizer (≈17–18% N)
Used for vegetables, rice, and wheat
Provides quick nitrogen availability
Often used in regions with controlled application systems
⚠️ Volatile—requires proper soil incorporation and storage.
Used as a buffering agent in formulations
Intermediate in synthesis of ammonium salts
Employed in protein and peptide purification processes
Releases CO₂ and ammonia when heated
Used in specialized dry chemical formulations
pH regulator in dyeing and printing processes
Helps control reaction conditions for certain dyes
Mild alkaline cleaning agent
pH adjustment in chemical solutions
| Industry | Key Application | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Tannery | Deliming & Bating | Gentle pH reduction, improved leather quality |
| Food Grade | Bakery leavening (E503) | Crisp texture, no residue |
| Agriculture | Nitrogen fertilizer | Fast nutrient release |
| Pharmaceuticals | Buffer & intermediate | Stable reaction control |
| Chemical/Textile | pH control & processing | Safe, decomposable alkali |
Safety & Storage
Low toxicity, but dust and ammonia odor may irritate eyes and respiratory tract
Avoid inhalation of dust; ensure good ventilation
Prolonged skin contact may cause mild irritation
Non-flammable; decomposes on heating to ammonia (NH₃), CO₂, and water
Handle in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas
Avoid dust formation during packing, transfer, and mixing
Use basic PPE: safety goggles, gloves, and dust mask for bulk handling
Keep away from heat, moisture, and strong acids
Close bags/containers tightly after use
Clearly separate food grade and industrial grade materials
Store below 30°C, protected from humidity
Use moisture-proof packaging (PE-lined bags or HDPE containers)
