Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), also known as sodium polymetaphosphate, is a polymer of sodium phosphate.

In the food industry, sodium hexametaphosphate is used as an emulsifier and is labelled E452i under the E-list classification. It can be found in various spreads, condensed milk, egg white concentrates, fish and meat products, fruit gum, etc. This wide range of applications is due not only to the ability of this compound to distribute the oil phase in water, but also to its ability to impart a sensation of moisture and to retain moisture in an adsorptive state, resulting not only in foods remaining stable for a longer period of time, but also in a significantly better taste. Sodium hexametaphosphate can also be found in pectin-containing products, as it facilitates the dissolution of pectins and their even mixing.

In water treatment, sodium hexametaphosphate is used as an effective sequestrant (metal ion binding) in water softening. The addition of sodium carbonate produces products which raise the pH to 8.0-8.6, and act partly as pH stabilizers and softeners. It also acts as a dispersant, i.e. it clarifies the water. Acting as a deflocculant, sodium hexametaphosphate prevents the adhesion of colloidal, organic and inorganic particles, thus protecting the water from the growth of micro-organisms in the event of flocculation (particle adhesion) and when this cannot be eliminated by normal filtration.

In ceramics, sodium hexametaphosphate is very effective as a deflocculant, i.e. an additive that helps to distribute the clay particles evenly and prevents them from sticking together. It can also be used as a clay or soil dispersant to assess soil texture.

In the cleaning industry, sodium hexametaphosphate is used as an emollient to prevent dirt particles from settling on the surfaces to be cleaned during cleaning.

In cosmetics, SHMP is used in toothpastes as a plaque-cleaning ingredient and as a plaque preventative. It can also be used as an aid in the dissolution of pectin. Key INCI Functions:

• Anti-corrosive: prevents corrosion of packaging
• Chelating: Reacts and forms complexes with metal ions which may affect the stability and/or appearance of cosmetic products.
• Masking: Reduces or suppresses the odor or main flavor of the product

In the paint industry, sodium hexametaphosphate is used to evenly distribute the paint on the surface, thus avoiding pigmented spots.

In the construction industry, sodium hexametaphosphate is used as a cement setting accelerator. It can be found in fast-drying mixtures.

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

Sodium Hexametaphosphate from The People Republic of China [ A-570-908 ]

Scope Description

The merchandise subject to this order is sodium hexametaphosphate. Sodium hexametaphosphate is a water-soluble polyphosphate glass that consists of a distribution of polyphosphate chain lengths. It is a collection of sodium polyphosphate polymers built on repeating NaPO3 units. Sodium hexametaphosphate has a P2O5 content from 60 to 71 percent. Alternate names for sodium hexametaphosphate include the following: Calgon; Calgon S; Glassy Sodium Phosphate; Sodium Polyphosphate, Glassy; Metaphosphoric Acid; Sodium Salt; Sodium Acid Metaphosphate; Graham’s Salt; Sodium Hex; Polyphosphoric Acid, Sodium Salt; Glass H; Hexaphos; Sodaphos; Vitrafos; and BAC-N-FOS. Sodium hexametaphosphate is typically sold as a white powder or granule (crushed) and may also be sold in the form of sheets (glass) or as a liquid solution. It is imported under heading 2835.39.5000, HTSUS. It may also be imported as a blend or mixture under heading 3824.90.3900, HTSUS. The American Chemical Society, Chemical Abstract Service (“CAS”) has assigned the name “Polyphosphoric Acid, Sodium Salt” to sodium hexametaphosphate. The CAS registry number is 68915-31-1. However, sodium hexametaphosphate is commonly identified by CAS No. 10124-56-8 in the market. For purposes of this order, the narrative description is dispositive, not the tariff heading, CAS registry number or CAS name.

The product covered by this order includes sodium hexametaphosphate in all grades, whether food grade or technical grade. The product covered by this order includes sodium hexametaphosphate without regard to chain length i.e., whether regular or long chain. The products covered by this order include sodium hexametaphosphate without regard to physical form, whether glass, sheet, crushed, granule, powder, fines, or other form, and whether or not in solution.

However, the product covered by this order does not include sodium hexametaphosphate when imported in a blend with other materials in which the sodium hexametaphosphate accounts for less than 50 percent by volume of the finished product.