Formalin, an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, is an extremely versatile substance with numerous applications in industry, science, and technology. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the various uses of formalin and explain why it is such a useful and important product.

The properties of formalin

Formalin is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. It is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, a reactive organic molecule that is gaseous at room temperature. In formalin, formaldehyde is usually present at a concentration of 37%. The addition of methanol as a stabilizer makes the solution more durable.

The main properties of formalin are:

• High reactivity and crosslinking ability
• Antimicrobial effect
• Good preservation properties
• Low viscosity

These properties make formalin an extremely versatile substance with numerous applications.

Preservation and fixation in laboratories and medicine

One of the best-known uses of formalin is the preservation and fixation of biological samples in laboratories and medicine. Due to its reactive nature, formalin can crosslink proteins and other organic molecules, thus preserving tissues and cells in their original structure. Therefore, formalin is often used for the fixation of tissue samples, for example, for histological examinations.

Formalin also plays an important role in pathology. It is used to preserve tissue samples such as tumor tissue for further analysis. Fixation makes the samples durable and allows them to be stored for an extended period.

Furthermore, formalin is used in the preparation of anatomical models and teaching aids. By preserving organs, tissues, and entire body parts, these can be used for training and education.

Disinfection and sterilization

Besides preservation, the disinfecting and sterilizing effect is another important property of formalin. Due to its antimicrobial activity, formalin can be effectively used for disinfection and sterilization.

In hospitals and medical facilities, formalin is used to disinfect instruments, surfaces, and rooms. It also plays an important role in laboratories for sterilizing equipment and work surfaces.

Additionally, formalin is used in the food industry for disinfecting production facilities and packaging materials. It is also employed in agriculture for sterilizing seeds, stables, and equipment.

Industrial applications of formalin

Besides its applications in medicine and science, formalin also has numerous industrial uses. Here, the reactive and crosslinking properties of the formaldehyde molecule are especially beneficial.

In the wood industry, formalin is used, for example, to produce resins and adhesives used in particle boards, veneers, and furniture. Formalin also plays an important role in textile finishing, such as in the production of crepe fabrics or the finishing of textiles.

Furthermore, formalin is used in the production of plastics, varnishes, and coatings. It serves as a starting material for the synthesis of polymers and resins.

In the chemical industry, formalin is also an important intermediate product for the production of a variety of organic chemicals such as methanol, pentaerythritol, or hexamethylenetetramine.

Conclusion

Formalin is an extremely versatile and useful substance with numerous applications in industry, science, and technology. From preservation and fixation in laboratories and medicine to disinfection and sterilization, as well as industrial uses such as wood and plastic processing – formalin is indispensable in many areas.

Its unique properties such as reactivity, crosslinking ability, and antimicrobial effect make formalin an extremely valuable and versatile material. No wonder formalin has played a central role in so many important fields of application for decades.