[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of red phosphorus, articles containing red phosphorus

Red phosphorus properties

Red phosphorus is an allotrope of the non-metallic element phosphorus. It is a dark red or dark purple powder, and red phosphorus is more stable than white phosphorus, the other allotrope. Its molecular structure is complex, mainly in the form of polymers, so it shows high thermal stability and low volatility. Red phosphorus has a melting point of 590°C, is difficult to burn under oxygen-free conditions, and is insoluble in water and organic solvents, but soluble in lye. Its main chemical properties include reduction and reaction with halogen to generate phosphorus halides.

Red phosphorus use

Red phosphorus is widely used in industry. The primary use is as an ingredient in fuel and oxidizer in the manufacture of safety matches and fireworks. Due to the stability of red phosphorus, it will not spontaneously ignite in the match head, and will only ignite when it is rubbed, thus ensuring safety. Red phosphorus also has important applications in chemical fertilizers, pesticides, flame retardants and other fields. For example, among the flame retardants, red phosphorus can form a phosphate ester by reacting with the polymer, thereby effectively suppressing the propagation of flame. In the electronics industry, red phosphorus is also used as a semiconductor material and as a catalyst.

Red phosphorus upstream raw material

The production of red phosphorus mainly uses white phosphorus as raw material. White phosphorus is industrially extracted from phosphate rock by the electric furnace method or wet method. The electric furnace method is to react phosphate rock, coke and silica at high temperature in an electric furnace to generate gaseous phosphorus, which is then condensed to obtain white phosphorus. Wet law is through the acid solution of phosphate rock, phosphoric acid, and then reduce the generation of white phosphorus. The white phosphorus is further heated and hydrogenated to be converted into red phosphorus. In this process, the purity of raw materials and processing conditions will significantly affect the quality and performance of red phosphorus.

Red phosphorus downstream products

The downstream products of red phosphorus are widely distributed in many industries. In addition to the aforementioned matches, fireworks, fertilizers and flame retardants, red phosphorus is also used to produce organophosphorus compounds, which have important applications in pharmaceuticals and pesticides. For example, some organophosphorus pesticides and herbicides are derived from red phosphorus. Red phosphorus is also used as a semiconductor material and catalyst in the electronics industry. In the plastics and rubber industry, red phosphorus is used as a plasticizer and stabilizer to improve the performance and durability of materials.

Red phosphorus storage method

Since red phosphorus is relatively stable at room temperature, but it is easy to burn at high temperature or friction, its storage method requires special attention. Red phosphorus should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire and heat sources. The storage container shall be a closed iron drum or plastic drum to prevent moisture absorption and oxidation of red phosphorus. Contact with oxidizing agents and acids should be avoided to prevent dangerous reactions. In places where large quantities of red phosphorus are stored, appropriate fire fighting equipment, such as dry powder fire extinguishers, is also required to deal with possible fire risks.

Market Analysis and Prospects

Red phosphorus market demand is affected by many factors. With the steady growth in global demand for safe matches and fireworks, the market outlook for red phosphorus is more positive. With the increasingly stringent environmental protection and safety regulations, the market demand for flame retardants is increasing, which will further promote the demand for red phosphorus. The energy consumption in the production process of red phosphorus is high, which has a certain impact on the environment, and may face the challenge of environmental protection regulations in the future. Therefore, technological innovation and improvement of production process will become the key to the development of red phosphorus industry.

Environmental Protection and Safety

There are some environmental and safety problems in the production and use of red phosphorus. The high temperature treatment and hydrogenation reaction in the production process of red phosphorus need to consume a lot of energy, discharge waste gas and waste water, and need to carry out effective environmental protection treatment. Red phosphorus is transported and stored in strict compliance with safety regulations to avoid high temperature, friction and impact to prevent the risk of fire and explosion. To this end, relevant enterprises should strengthen environmental protection and safety management, adopt advanced production technology and equipment, reduce the impact on the environment, and ensure the safety of production and use.

Conclusion

As an important industrial raw material, red phosphorus has unique physical and chemical properties and a wide range of applications. Its stability and safety make it play an important role in matches, fireworks, flame retardants and other industries. Despite the challenges of high production energy consumption and strict environmental protection requirements, with the continuous progress of technology and the growth of market demand, the red phosphorus industry still has good development prospects. In the future, enterprises need to increase investment in environmental protection and safety management, promote the application of green production technology, and ensure the sustainable development of red phosphorus industry.