Powders & Solids
Explore chemical powders and other solid raw materials, including available fine powders, crystalline materials, flakes, granules, prills and larger particles.
Shop Powders & Solids →Shop by Form
Looking for chemical powders, granules, crystals or ready-to-use liquids? Shop by physical form at HD Chemicals Ltd, a UK supplier of chemical raw materials, solvents, acids, alkalis and specialist products based in Plymouth. Many chemicals are supplied either as solids or liquids, and some are available in both forms depending on their chemistry and intended use.
Choose one of the two categories below to explore our available range, then check the individual product specification, purity, concentration, pack size and safety information before ordering.
Solid vs Liquid Chemicals: What Is the Difference?
The physical form of a chemical affects how it is handled, weighed, measured, packaged and used. Solid chemicals may be sold by net weight and supplied as powders, crystals, granules, flakes or larger pieces. Liquid chemicals are commonly supplied by volume, such as millilitres or litres, although some are also sold by weight. A solution can contain a chemical dissolved in water or another compatible liquid; its concentration and properties may therefore differ from those of the solid raw material.
Physical form alone does not determine chemical strength, quality or safety. The chemical identity, grade, composition and product concentration are equally important when choosing the right material.
Types of Chemical Powders, Granules, Flakes and Crystals
Not every solid chemical looks or behaves like flour. Particle size, particle shape, moisture content and processing method can change how a solid pours, stores, dissolves or disperses:
- Fine powders: Small particles used in many chemical and formulation applications. Some powders are free-flowing, while others may form lumps or generate dust during handling.
- Free-flowing powders: Materials designed or processed to pour more easily. “Free-flowing” describes handling behaviour rather than a separate chemical family.
- Granules: Coarser, individually formed particles; selected products such as sodium percarbonate and calcium hypochlorite are commonly supplied in granular formats.
- Crystals: Defined crystalline particles, such as certain grades of citric acid or copper sulphate, which may vary in size and appearance.
- Flakes: Thin, flat particles. Some alkalis, including sodium hydroxide, are available commercially as flakes.
- Prills and pellets: Rounded or compacted particles; urea fertiliser prills are a familiar example.
- Chunks, lumps and coarse pieces: Larger fragments rather than finely milled powder. These may need different weighing, handling or processing methods.
Browse our chemical powders and solids to view the particle formats, purities and pack sizes available for each product. Always confirm the listed grade and specification because not every format is available for every chemical.
Types of Liquid Chemicals and Solutions
Liquid chemical products include organic solvents such as toluene and isopropyl alcohol, aqueous solutions such as diluted acids or alkalis, and other formulated liquid products for suitable cleaning, maintenance, manufacturing and specialist applications. Some liquids are thin and easy to pour; others are more viscous. Colour, concentration and volatility also vary from product to product.
For a material available in both solid and liquid formats, a prepared solution may be convenient for some tasks, whereas the solid form may be preferable for certain storage or manufacturing requirements. Compare the product's stated concentration and intended application rather than assuming the forms are interchangeable.
Explore our liquid chemicals and solutions to find the available grades and pack sizes.
Why Does One Litre of a Chemical Not Always Weigh One Kilogram?
A litre measures volume; a kilogram measures mass. The relationship between them depends on density. Water has a density close to 1 kg per litre at room temperature, but other chemicals can be lighter or heavier than water.
Example: Toluene – a solvent with a density of approximately 0.87 kg/L at 20°C. One litre of toluene therefore has a liquid mass of about 870 g, before adding the bottle or other packaging.
Example: Phosphoric acid 45% solution – a denser aqueous acid solution, approximately 1.29 kg/L at 20°C. One litre therefore contains about 1.29 kg of liquid, excluding its container.
Actual density depends on the exact chemical, temperature, purity and, for solutions, concentration. These figures are illustrative rather than batch-specific specifications. For accurate conversions between litres and kilograms, use the density stated in the relevant product technical information or Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The parcel's shipping weight will also include its container and any protective packaging.
Shop Solid and Liquid Chemicals from HD Chemicals UK
HD Chemicals Ltd supplies a wide selection of chemical raw materials in different physical forms to customers across the UK. Start with Powders & Solids or Liquids & Solutions, then check each individual listing for available concentrations, quantities, intended uses and handling guidance. You can also browse by chemical family or shop by application.
Always review the product specification, handling instructions and relevant SDS before use. Different chemical forms and concentrations may have different hazards, storage requirements and suitable applications.