[Chemical Knowledge]：What is soda ash

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Soda ash, also known as soda ash and soda ash, is a common chemical substance with the chemical formula of Na2CO3. It is a colorless, odorless crystal that can be dissolved in water and is weakly alkaline. Soda ash has a wide range of uses and is widely used in glass manufacturing, pulp bleaching, fertilizer production, detergent manufacturing, food additives and other industries.

preparation method

soda ash preparation method has a variety of, the most commonly used method is the natural alkali method. Natural alkali is a carbonate mixture formed by the flow of open air or groundwater through carbonate rock formations. It mainly contains sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium chloride and other ingredients. Natural alkali is mined in open pit, and soda ash and sodium carbonate are obtained through crushing, screening, washing and other technological processes.

Another method for preparing soda ash is the sodium oxide method. This method mainly reacts sodium metal with oxygen to obtain sodium oxide, and then mixes sodium oxide with potassium carbonate to obtain soda ash. This method is purer than the trona method, but at a higher cost.

properties

soda ash is an alkaline substance with a pH of about 11-12. It can react with acids to produce chemical reactions such as carbon dioxide, water and salt. Soda ash is also a reducing agent and can reduce compounds containing oxides. It also has a strong moisture absorption, easy to absorb moisture in the air, into a hydrate. The solubility of soda ash increases with increasing temperature, and the solubility is greater at high temperatures.

uses

soda ash is a very common chemical substance with a wide range of uses. The following are some of its main uses:

1. Glass manufacturing: Soda ash is one of the important raw materials for glass manufacturing. It can reduce the melting point of glass, promote the formation of glass, and improve the quality of glass.

2. Pulp bleaching: Soda ash can be used as a bleaching agent to bleach pulp and paper to make them more white and bright.

3. Fertilizer production: Soda ash is a high-quality carbonate fertilizer that can improve the properties of the soil and increase crop yields.

4. Cleaner manufacturing: Soda ash can be used as a raw material for cleaners to clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, etc.

5. Food additives: Soda ash is a food improver, which can be used to adjust the acidity and alkalinity of food and improve food quality.