Sodium Sulphate

Chemical Properties:

• Chemical Formula: Na₂SO₄
• Molecular Weight: 142.04 g/mol
• Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water

Industrial Uses:

1. Detergent and Cleaning Products:

   • Filler: Used as a filler in powdered detergents and cleaning agents to bulk up the product and reduce the concentration of active ingredients.

2. Textile Industry:

   • Dyeing Agent: Acts as a leveling agent in the dyeing process of textiles, ensuring uniform distribution of dye.
   • Bleaching: Used in the bleaching process of textiles.

3. Glass Manufacturing:

   • Flux: Helps to remove small air bubbles from molten glass, improving the quality and clarity of the glass.

4. Paper and Pulp Industry:

   • Processing Aid: Used in the kraft process for wood pulping, helping in the breakdown of lignin and improving the efficiency of the pulping process.

5. Chemical Manufacturing:

   • Intermediate: Used in the production of various chemicals, including sodium sulfide, sodium silicate, and sodium dichromate.

6. Food Industry:

   • Additive: Sometimes used as a processing aid in the food industry, though its use is limited compared to other sodium compounds.

7. Pharmaceutical Industry:

   • Laxative: Used as an ingredient in certain laxatives and in medicinal baths to treat skin conditions.

Safety Considerations:

• Handling: Generally considered non-toxic and safe to handle, but large amounts can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested.
• Storage: Should be stored in a dry place to prevent caking and degradation.

Sodium sulphate’s versatility and effectiveness in these applications make it a valuable component in many industrial processes.