Because everything it decomposes into is a gas. Heated above about 36 degrees Celsius it begins breaking down, and by 60 degrees it has converted entirely to ammonia, carbon dioxide and water vapour. Nothing solid remains, which is exactly what a blowing agent or pore former must do if it is not to weaken or discolour the product.
2
What is a pore former and why is complete decomposition important?
A pore former is mixed into a green ceramic or catalyst body and then burned out to leave controlled porosity behind. Any inorganic residue would remain as an impurity in the fired article, affecting strength, purity and catalytic activity. A material that decomposes wholly to gas leaves only the void it created.
3
How should ammonium bicarbonate be stored?
Cool, sealed and dry. It begins decomposing at around 36 degrees Celsius, so warm storage causes progressive loss of material and a build-up of ammonia in the packaging, and moisture accelerates the process. It also has a faint ammonia odour that becomes pronounced if the material has begun to break down.
4
Why is it used as a fertiliser despite its instability?
Because it supplies nitrogen cheaply and is quick-acting, and in some markets it is produced locally as a by-product. The instability is the limiting factor: it cannot be stored long or in warm conditions without losing nitrogen as ammonia, which makes it unsuitable for long supply chains and is why more stable nitrogen sources dominate internationally.
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