الوصف

Potassium nitrate is mainly used in fertilizers, as a source of nitrogen and potassium – two of the macro nutrients for plants.

Potassium nitrate has been a common ingredient of salted meat; saltpeter is still used in some food applications, such as charcuterie and the brine used to make corned beef.

Potassium nitrate is an efficient oxidizes. It is therefore used in amateur rocket propellants and in several fireworks such as smoke bombs, made with a mixture of sucrose and potassium nitrate.

Potassium nitrate is the main component (usually about *8%) of tree stump remover, as it accelerates the natural decomposition of the stump. It is also commonly used in the heat treatment of metals as a solvent in the post-wash. The oxidizing, water solubility and low cost make it an ideal short-term rust inhibitor.

Potassium nitrate was used to ensure complete combustion of paper cartridges for cap and ball revolvers, as a treatment agent for the paper used to make the cartridges.