Fluoric acid (HF)

Definition:

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

Application:

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

Maintenance Risk

This chemical is very corrosive and penetrates body tissue much faster than ordinary acids, and its toxicity can enter the body through the skin, eyes, inhalation, and oral routes.

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

This acid, when combined with glass, produces hydrogen gases that pose a risk of explosion.

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.

Under no circumstances should this substance 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.