Regna Group
Kimya
SODIUM CARBONATE (HEAVY, LIGHT SODA)Why?
Sodium carbonate, known as washing soda, is an inorganic compound with different hydrates. All forms dissolve in water by giving alkaline solution. It is found in nature in sodium-rich lake beds or in the ashes of some plants. That's why it is also called soda ash. Although it is found in mineral form, it is generally produced by industrial processes today. It forms different hydrates according to the amount of water it contains. Sodium carbonate is commercially available as heavy soda and light soda according to its particle density. Its density is 0.51-0.62 gr/cm3 light soda 0.96 If it is between -1,06 gr/cm3, it is called heavy soda.
production
Sodium carbonate can be obtained from both mines and chemical reactions. Although there are many methods for its production, the hou process is preferred today.
Usage areas
Sodium carbonate is mostly used in the production of glass, paper, silk, soap and detergents. In glass production, it brings the melting point of the mixture to easily accessible points, acting as a flow for silica.
It is also widely used to remove the hardness of water. Easily removes magnesium and calcium from water.
Sodium carbonate is also a very common food additive. It acts as a pH stabilizer. It is also frequently used as a baking soda and anti-caking agent.
In addition, it is used in different sectors as a cheap and weak base.
Safety Precautions and Toxicity
Sodium carbonate is classified as an irritant. The LD50 value was determined as 4090 mg/kg.