November 14, 2024
Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate Market

Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate: An Essential Ingredient Widely Used in Food and Pharmaceutical Industries

Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, also known as dicalcium phosphate or DCP, is an odorless, tasteless, and white crystalline powder that is widely used as a leavening agent, buffer, nutritional supplement, emulsifying salt, and stabilizer in food products as well as an excipient and diluent in pharmaceuticals. It has the chemical formula of CaHPO4 and consists of calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, and hydrogen. As the name suggests, anhydrous DCP contains no chemically bound water molecules. In this article, we will discuss the various properties, production methods, applications, and safety of anhydrous DCP.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Anhydrous DCP is non-hygroscopic in nature which means it does not readily absorb moisture from the air. It has a molecular weight of 142.06 g/mol and a melting point of around 1350°C. Chemically, it is classified as a calcium phosphate salt. When heated to a high temperature, anhydrous DCP decomposes to form calcium pyrophosphate and tri-calcium phosphate. It is insoluble in water but soluble in diluted acids and alkalis. Anhydrous DCP has a neutral pH of around 6.5-7 in aqueous solution.

Manufacturing Processes

There are two major industrial methods for producing Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate – the wet process and the dry process.

In the wet process, phosphoric acid and limestone are reacted together in water at an elevated temperature under pressure. The slurry obtained is filtered, washed, dried and milled to obtain the final powdered product.

In the dry process, limestone and phosphate rock are mixed and calcined at a high temperature of around 800-1000°C without adding any water. The resulting product is quickly air cooled, pulverized and milled to get anhydrous DCP powder.

The dry process route is more energy-efficient than the wet process. It yields DCP in an anhydrous state directly without requiring a separate drying step. However, the wet process allows for better control over crystal properties and product consistency.

Key Applications

some major uses of anhydrous anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate include:

– Leavening agent in baked goods: As a leavening acid in baked products like bread, cakes and biscuits, it reacts with alkaline ingredients releasing carbon dioxide to create air pockets for better texture and lift.

– Nutritional supplement: As a calcium and phosphorus source, it is used in fortified foods, infant formulas, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products.

– pH buffer: It has buffering properties and is used to regulate and maintain pH in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other products.

– Emulsifying salt: Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in products like processed cheese and non-dairy creamers.

– Pharmaceutical excipient: Acts as a diluent and filler in tablet and capsule formulations. It also aids disintegration and enhances flow properties.

– Other uses: Includes applications as a processing aid in meat products, stabilizer in dairy, thickening agent in sauces, and auxiliary agent in toothpaste.

Health and Safety

Anhydrous DCP is generally recognized as safe for consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The acceptable daily intake is set at 25 mg per kg of body weight. Long-term ingestion at high doses may cause excess phosphate levels leading to calcification of soft tissues. However, the amounts normally consumed through food are unlikely to pose any risk.

Occupational exposure to its dust form during manufacturing can cause minor irritation to eyes and respiratory tract. Proper handling and dust control measures should be followed. Anhydrous DCP does not pose any significant health or environmental hazards during normal conditions of use and storage.

Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate is an important inorganic compound widely used as a multifunctional food additive and pharmaceutical excipient. It performs vital technological and nutritional roles owing to its acidity regulating, bulking, abrasive and mineral supplement properties. With numerous applications across industries, expanding global demand and established safety profile, DCP looks set to retain its prominence as a versatile processing aid.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

About Author - Ravina Pandya
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.  LinkedIn Profile

About Author - Ravina Pandya

Ravina Pandya,  Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.  LinkedIn Profile

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