Sodium Nitrate is a white crystalline powder and a source of nitrate anion (NO3−), which is useful in industrial production of fertilizers, pyrotechnics, high-strength glass, enamels for glass and pottery, and preservatives.
Sodium Nitrate is used for etching of metals and descaling of steel and other metal surfaces. Sodium Nitrate has an oxidizing effect and can effectively disintegrate scale deposits, which can then be removed with water and acid treatment. The advantage of Sodium Nitrate in descaling is that it acts on the scale and does not result in the loss of metal and it can be effective without the need for initial sandblasting. Metal pickling of machinery parts using Sodium Nitrate is effective in removing grease, oil, dyes, and rust.
