Fluoric acid (HF)

Definition:

Hydrofluoric acid or fluoric acid, also known as glass-eating acid, with the chemical formula (HF), a melting point of -83.55 °C and a density of 1.15 g/cm3, is a colorless, highly corrosive liquid that can dissolve many substances and compounds such as oxides. It will cause burns if it comes into direct contact with any object. Its main use is in the production of fluorine-containing materials.

Applications:

This acid is used in the glass production industry, the production of organofluorine compounds, aluminum production, the oil and petrochemical industry, the automotive and polymer industries, the preparation and production of many medicines, and even its gas is used as rocket fuel.

Maintenance risk:

This chemical is highly corrosive and penetrates body tissue much more quickly than ordinary acids, and its toxicity can enter the body through the skin, eyes, inhalation, and ingestion routes.

It can also be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and react with calcium in the blood, potentially causing a heart attack. And even inhaling the gas of this acid will cause burns and lung damage.

When this acid is mixed with glass, it produces hydrogen gases that are explosive.

Maintenance method:

Hydrofluoric acid is extremely sensitive to light, so it should be stored away from light and non-gaseous chemical agents such as metals, other acids, oxidizers, water, combustible materials, concrete and cement.

This substance should never be stored in glass containers because it reacts with glass and dissolves it. The best way to store this acid is in plastic or polyethylene containers.