Ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts help to increase crop production because they have a high percentage of nitrogen. In some farming areas, anhydrous ammonia is now applied directly to the fields from large tanks that contain the compressed gas. The textile industry uses ammonia in the production of synthetic fibers such as nylon and cuprammonium rayon. Ammonia is also used in dyeing and scouring cotton, wool, and other fibers. Ammonia water sometimes serves as a cleaning fluid and can be used to restore fabrics that have been stained by acids.
Ammonia is also vital in the manufacture of many chemicals, plastics, vitamins, and drugs.
For example, it acts as a catalyst in making plastics such as Bakelite, and it is used as a reactant in making melamine resins for plastics. David C. Armbruster, Ph.D., President, Armbruster Associates Inc., Chemical Consultants and Specialty Products. How to cite this article.