What is urea?

Urea or carbamide is an organic chemical with CO(NH2)2 formula. It is an organic origin waste product produced in the liver of mammals, excreted through the kidneys. It is the most important organic compound in the excretory system, helping to remove nitrogenous wastes through urine. Besides this, urea finds its application in some industries such as fertilizer in agriculture, moisturizer in skincare products, and manufacturing of plastics and resins.

History of Urea

The story of urea started from waste and became a scientific revolution. In 1773, chemists isolated it from urine. Still, in 1828, Friedrich Wöhler accidentally prepared urea from inorganic materials and shattered the “vitalism” theory, showing that organic compounds could be prepared without the need for living organisms. The discovery laid the foundation for modern organic chemistry; great discoveries sometimes come from the most unexpected origins.

Properties of Urea

• Water Solubility: carbamide is highly soluble in water, facilitating its use in aqueous solutions. This property allows for easy incorporation into skincare products, fertilizers, and medical solutions.
• Hygroscopicity: Carbamide is hygroscopic; this simply means that it can absorb water from the immediate surroundings. With this form of property, it acts as an active moisturizing agent in various skincare products by helping to lock water in the skin.
• Non-Toxicity: carbamide is generally considered non-toxic, making it safe for many applications. In skincare, it’s well-tolerated by most individuals and is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.
• High Nitrogen Content: carbamide contains a high nitrogen concentration, making it an excellent nitrogen source for plants when used as a fertilizer. Its nitrogen content contributes to its effectiveness in promoting plant growth and increasing crop yields.
• Low Cost: carbamide is relatively inexpensive to produce, making it economically viable for various industrial and agricultural applications. Its affordability contributes to its widespread use in fertilizer production and other industries.
• Chemical Reactivity: carbamide can undergo various chemical reactions, including hydrolysis and decomposition under certain conditions. For example, it can react with water to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide, which is utilized in some industrial processes.
• Stability: carbamide exhibits stability under normal conditions, with a relatively long shelf life when stored properly. This stability is advantageous for its use in skincare products and other formulations where consistent performance over time is desired.

physical and chemical properties of urea

Physical Properties of Urea:

• Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline solid
• Odor: Odorless
• Density: 1.32 g/cm³ (relatively dense for an organic compound)
• Melting Point: 134°C (273°F)
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol, slightly soluble in some organic solvents, insoluble in others (like ethane)
• Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from the air

Chemical Properties of Urea:

• Chemical Formula: CO(NH2)2 (contains carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen)
• Molar Mass: 60.06 g/mol
• Weak Base: Exhibits mildly basic properties in water solution
• Non-combustible: Does not readily burn
• Decomposes Before Boiling: When heated to high temperatures, carbamide breaks down before reaching its boiling point
• Hydrogen Bonding: carbamide molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other and with water molecules, influencing their solubility and crystal structure

VARIOUS GRADES OF UREA

1. Agricultural Grade Urea

Urea of agricultural grade is the most popular type of urea, being widely used as nitrogenous fertilizer. It contains 46% nitrogen, which is so vital for plant growth and soil fertility. It comes in granular and prilled forms to make application easy and highly compatible with other fertilizers for blending.

Applications:

• Crop fertilization
• Blended fertilizers
• Improving yield and productivity

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2. Technical Grade Urea

Technical-grade urea is a specific kind of urea developed for industrial applications that require high purity. Common uses include the manufacture of diesel exhaust fluid, adhesives, and resins. Consistent and with low levels of impurities, it finds its place in key applications that reduce harmful vehicle emissions and enhance industrial processes.

Applications:

• DEF (AdBlue®) production
• Manufacturing adhesives and coatings
• Specialty chemical formulations

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3. Feed Grade Urea

Feed-grade urea is a type of urea that has been specifically developed for use in animal feeds. It is used as a source of non-protein nitrogen by ruminants for their protein synthesis and improvement of general diet efficiency. This grade undergoes strict quality checks to ensure the safety of livestock.

Applications:

• Ruminant feed supplements
• Enhancing livestock nutrition
• Sustainable animal farming

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4. Pharmaceutical Grade Urea

Pharmaceutical-grade urea is the purest and finds applications in the medicine and cosmetic fields. Urea acts by hydration and keratolytic effects; hence, it has an important position in dermatological products: creams and lotions. Regulatory standards regarding purity ensure their safety for application in humans.

Applications:

• Skincare and cosmetic formulations
• Moisturizing creams and lotions
• Medical treatments for dry skin and calluses

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5. Industrial Grade Urea

Industrial-grade urea is used in a variety of processes, from manufacturing melamine and plastics to producing explosives and wastewater treatment solutions. Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a vital component in many industrial applications.

Applications:

• Melamine and plastic production
• Explosives manufacturing

Application and uses

1. Agriculture

The main usage of urea is within agriculture, as a source of nitrogenous fertilizer. Being the most concentrated nitrogenous solid fertilizer with 46% nitrogen content, it enhances growth in plants and improves the fertility of the soil.

Applications in Agriculture:

• Direct application to the soil as a fertilizer
• Blending with other fertilizers for enhanced nutrient delivery
• Foliar sprays to boost crop yields
• Enhancing growth in crops like rice, wheat, and corn

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2. Animal Feed

Urea is used as a source of NPN in ruminant feeds, enabling animals to synthesize proteins more effectively. This application is especially useful in livestock farming, where cost-effective protein sources are needed.

Applications in Animal Feed:

• Supplements for cattle, sheep, and goats
• Enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption in ruminants
• Reducing the reliance on traditional protein feeds

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3. Industrial Applications

Urea is widely used in industrial processes due to its chemical properties and cost-effectiveness. It plays a significant role in the production of various materials and chemicals.

Industrial Uses:

• Manufacturing melamine and urea-formaldehyde resins
• Production of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), such as AdBlue®, to reduce NOx emissions
• Used in adhesives, coatings, and laminates
• Essential in wastewater treatment as a reducing agent

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4. Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry

In the medical and cosmetic sectors, urea is valued for its hydrating and keratolytic properties. It is a common ingredient in skincare products and treatments.

Applications in Healthcare and Cosmetics:

• Formulations for moisturizing creams and lotions
• Treatment of dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis
• Used in diuretic medicines
• As an ingredient in chemical peels and exfoliants

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5. Explosives Production

Urea is a key raw material in the production of urea nitrate, which is used in the manufacture of explosives for mining and other industrial purposes.

Applications in Explosives:

• Raw material for urea nitrate
• Used in the creation of industrial-grade explosives

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6. Laboratory and Research

In laboratories, urea is utilized in protein denaturation, chemical analysis, and as a nitrogen source in microbial cultures.

Applications in Research:

• Protein extraction and purification
• Nitrogen source in fermentation processes
• Stabilizing proteins in biochemical experiments

Packing

Bulk Bags: For large-scale industrial and agricultural needs.
Sacks and Bags: Common for smaller applications, like home gardening.
Drums and Containers: Used in specialized industrial processes.
Bulk Shipments: For transporting large quantities via rail, truck, or ship.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): Sometimes used for liquid urea.

safety tips

• Personal Protection: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact.
• Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of dust.
• Storage: Store urea in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture.
• Handling: Use proper equipment to minimize dust generation and spills.
• Cleanup: Contain spills and clean them up promptly.
• Fire Safety: Keep the area away from sources of ignition.