Why Do People Use Potassium Nitrate? Exploring Its Many Applications
                                
                                
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                                    3 min read                                
                            
                                First discovered by Chinese chemists in the 9th century as a key ingredient for gunpowder, potassium nitrate—also known as saltpeter—has evolved into a versatile compound with a wide array of modern uses. Its potent oxidizing properties and dual-nutrient profile make it indispensable across multiple industries, including agriculture, food production, and pyrotechnics.