Ammonium bifluoride

Ammonium bifluoride (CAS 1341-49-7), also known as ABF, is an inorganic fluoride salt used across metal treatment, surface preparation, and industrial cleaning processes. It delivers controlled fluoride activity in acidic conditions, making it a practical alternative to hydrofluoric acid in applications where handling pure HF is operationally difficult.

In metal processing and mining, ABF functions as a flux and etchant for removing oxide layers from aluminum, stainless steel, and other alloys prior to finishing or refining. Electronics manufacturers use it in glass and silicon etching, where precise surface modification is required for component fabrication during the manufacturing process.

In textile and paper production, it acts as a pH buffer and flame retardant additive, contributing to fire-resistance treatments in various types of finished goods. Building and construction applications include masonry cleaning and concrete surface treatment, where its fluoride content dissolves silicates and mineral deposits effectively.

Ammonium bifluoride is supplied as white crystalline granules or powder. Technical grade is the standard commercial form, with purity levels typically at 95–98%+. Bulk packaging in fiber drums or HDPE containers is common for industrial supply, with smaller quantities available for laboratory or specialty use in research settings.