Sodium carbonate. It is a white and translucent salt that is used among other things in the manufacture of soap, glass and dyes. It can be found in nature or obtained artificially.
Summary
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- 1 Artificial method
- 2 Utility
- 3 Glass manufacturing
- 4 Important applications
- 1 Raw material
- 2 Flux
- 3 Manufacture of chemical products
- 4 Industries
- 5 Sodium carbonate poisoning
- 1 Symptoms
- 2 Home treatment
- 6 Source
Artificial method
Due to a process devised and patented in 1791 by the French physician and chemist Nicolás Leblanc, Sodium carbonate can be obtained artificially.
The method used by Nicolás Leblanc was improved or replaced by the Belgian chemist Ernest Solvay. Solvay founded the company that bore his surname by name in 1863 , in which he managed to make the process even cheaper and eliminate some of the problems that the Leblanc method presented.
This method uses sodium chloride, ammonia and calcium carbonate as raw materials . In 1915 the last Leblanc soda factory was closed.
Utility
Sodium carbonate is very useful in processes in which the pH of different solutions must be regulated, such as:
- In the treatment of water in industry as well as flotation processes.
- Ceramics , soaps, cleaners, hard water softener, oil refining, aluminum production, textiles, pulp and paper .
- Metallurgical processing, pharmaceutical preparation, caustic soda, sodium bicarbonate, sodium nitrate, and various other uses.
- Sodium carbonate and its derivatives are used to lower the melting point of silicon and to be able to work it better, it also provides the solid necessary to form the network. This is used to roast chromium and other extracts and reduces the sulfur and phosphorous content of cast iron and steel.
- In the manufacture of detergents, sodium carbonate is essential in formulations in order to ensure the correct functioning of the rest of the substances that compose it, enzymes , surfactants, during the different phases of washing.
Glass manufacturing
A fundamental ingredient in the manufacture of glass is Sodium Carbonate since it lowers the melting temperature, simplifying the creation and molding of all kinds of functional and decorative glass items, it is also necessary for oil refining , water treatment, pulp and paper production, dyes, soap and detergent manufacturing.
Important applications
Raw material
Sodium carbonate is used as a raw material for saponification of fatty acids in the manufacture of detergents:
- Industrial products
- Homemade detergents
- Dishwasher
- Soaps
Flux
Sodium carbonate in glass making is used as a flux in glass furnaces to:
- Glass containers
- Flat glass
- Insulating fibers
- Glassware
Chemical manufacturing
Sodium carbonate as a source of alkalinity and sodium ion in the manufacture of chemical products:
- Tripolyphosphates
- Soluble silicate glass
- Sodium Metasilicate
- Sodium orthosilicate
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Chromium compounds
- Pigments
Industries
To provide alkalinity and sodium ion in various industries and processes, such as:
- Water treatment
- Manufacture of paper
- Textile manufacturing
- Food processing
- Mining
Sodium carbonate poisoning
Sodium carbonate is found in:
- Automatic dishwasher soaps
- Clinitest tablets
- Glass products
- Pulp and paper products
- Some bleaches
- Some solutions for bubble baths
- Some steam iron cleaners
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath due to sore throat
- Collapse
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Pain, redness, and irritation in the eyes
- Hoarseness
- Low blood pressure that can develop quickly
- Severe pain in the mouth, throat, chest, or abdomen
- Shock
- Skin irritation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
Home treatment
Immediate medical attention should be sought and Do not induce vomiting, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional. If the chemical is on the skin or eyes, it should be flushed with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical was ingested, the person should be given a glass of milk or water immediately , unless otherwise instructed by the physician. It is not recommended to give milk or water if the patient has symptoms that make swallowing difficult such as vomiting, seizures or decreased alertness.
If the person inhaled the poison, they should be taken to fresh air immediately. Sodium carbonate is generally not very toxic. However, if a person ingests very large amounts, they may have symptoms. In this rare situation, long-term effects, and even death, may occur if prompt treatment is not received.
