Sodium Bicarbonate (Technical) - India

Brief Overview 

Sodium bicarbonate, a chemical molecule having the molecular formula NaHCO₃, is commonly referred to as baking soda. It is readily soluble in water or mineral springs and has a white, crystalline or powdery appearance. Natural sources of sodium bicarbonate include the minerals thermokalite and nahcolite. Amphoteric substances, such as sodium bicarbonate, react with bases or acids. Sodium acetate may be produced by reacting it with acetic acid. Additionally, it produces carbonates through reactions with base chemicals like sodium hydroxide. At a temperature higher than 149°C, sodium bicarbonate will break down into sodium carbonate, a stable chemical, with the production of carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Manufacturing Process

Sodium bicarbonate may be made using the Solvay method. This procedure was initially developed in the 1860s by Ernest Solvay, who reacted sodium chloride with ammonia and carbon dioxide in water. This procedure yields sodium bicarbonate, which can be changed into soda ash (Na₂CO₃) or washing soda (Na₂CO₃.10H₂O). This is how the production process looks like:

1. Manufacturing Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium chloride reacts with carbon dioxide and ammonia in water to produce this reaction. In this procedure, the carbon dioxide is obtained from calcium carbonate, and the ammonia is separated from ammonium chloride using the calcium oxide byproduct. Dry ice is another source of carbon dioxide. The reaction is

NaCl(aq) + NH₃(aq) + CO₂(s) + H₂O → NH₄Cl(aq) + NaHCO₃(s)

2. Extracting Sodium Bicarbonate

Step 1's reaction yields sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride as products. Both of these compounds are soluble at room temperature. However, ammonium chloride is more soluble than sodium bicarbonate at temperatures below room temperature, which facilitates the crystal's extraction from the solution. Reacting calcium hydroxide with ammonium chloride is another way to separate sodium bicarbonate from ammonium chloride. This procedure yields calcium chloride in the liquid phase, water vapor, and ammonia gas.

Textile Industry 

The treatment of wool and silk materials is one of the most common applications for sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is used in the leather and dyeing sectors of the textile industry. In the textile business, sodium bicarbonate is frequently used for printing and dyeing processes. Sodium bicarbonate is also used by the leather industry as a neutralizing agent during the tanning process.

Disinfectants and Cleaning Industry 

Cosmetics employ sodium bicarbonate as a pH adjuster to regulate the acid-base balance. Shampoo can benefit from a tiny use of sodium bicarbonate to make hair shine and get rid of product residue. Sodium bicarbonate may also be used to cleanse pores and stop acne in face washes. Sodium bicarbonate is used in disinfectants to eradicate ants and roaches from homes.

Rubber and Plastic Industry 

Because it releases carbon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate is employed as a blowing agent in the production of rubber and plastics. Rubber and plastic materials are molded using carbon dioxide. The amount of sodium bicarbonate supplied might change the material structure.

Detergent Industry 

Sodium bicarbonate is soluble in water and an alkali. When some acidic substances find their way into the wash water, sodium carbonate is utilized to adjust the detergent's pH. It may be used to make detergent products that are gentler by replacing sodium carbonate.

Other Applications 

Sodium bicarbonate is also used in the leather and textile industries. Sodium bicarbonate is utilized in the leather and textile industries for printing and dyeing. Added to animal feed, sodium bicarbonate serves as both a nutritional supplement and a buffer for the rumen of dairy cows. Because it is a potent anti-pollutant agent, wastewater treatment uses it. Moreover, it's one among the primary components of fire extinguishers.