Hydrogen peroxide: Characteristics
Stronger saves freight but raises the danger
What this tab covers The physical and chemical properties that set its grade, price and uses, with the commercial grades and the standards that define them.Peroxide is sold by concentration and stability. Higher strength saves freight but raises hazard. Stabiliser content, residual carbon and metals decide whether a grade suits pulp, food, aseptic packaging or semiconductors.
Properties that matter commercially
| Property | Value / specification | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concentration | 35%, 50%, 60% and 70% commercial grades | Price is per t of 100% H2O2; transport cost per unit falls with strength | Industry grades (indicative) |
| Stability | loss of active oxygen typically under about 2% after 16 h at 100 C test (indicative) | Unstable peroxide loses value and is dangerous | Indicative |
| Metals | electronic grades below 1 ppb per metal (indicative) | Wafer contamination | Indicative |
| Total organic carbon | low for aseptic and food grades (indicative) | Residual solvent from the AO process | Indicative |
Commercial grades
- Technical grade for pulp and textiles
- Chemical grade for synthesis and HPPO
- Food and aseptic grade
- Electronic (semiconductor) grade
- Propulsion (high-test) grade above 85%, niche