Sal ammoniac is primarily used for what application?

Sal ammoniac, or ammonium chloride, is primarily used as a flux in soldering and welding applications. It helps to prevent oxidation of the metal components being joined, which is essential for ensuring strong, reliable connections. When heated, sal ammoniac releases hydrochloric acid, which cleans the surface of the metal and promotes better adherence of the solder.

While it may be involved in processes like tinning iron, which refers to coating iron with a layer of solder, its primary function is that of a flux. A good flux facilitates the flow of the solder and helps create a stronger bond between materials. By preventing oxidation during the heating process, sal ammoniac improves the overall effectiveness of the soldering process. This makes fluxing its most significant application, surpassing its roles in cleaning metals or simply removing oxides, which can also occur in different contexts but are secondary to the fluxing action.