Soda Ash

Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate (Na₂Co₃), is a chemical mainly used to manufacture different glasses. Soda ash is refined from naturally available minerals like trona and naturally occurring sodium carbonate. Both these minerals are called natural soda ash. Soda ash can also be produced from a mineral called nahcolite. Other than these, soda ash is also manufactured in the lab through various chemical processes. Soda Ash is an alkali chemical refined from minerals or made artificial through various chemical processes in the laboratory. Primarily used in glass manufacturing, soda ash has a broader application in daily use.

Industrial Application of Soda Ash

Soda ash is used in many industries. The main use is in the manufacturing of products made of glass, glass bottles, fire glass insulation, flat glass for household use, automobile industries, etc. Glasses used in commercial buildings, complexes, and towers are also manufactured using soda ash. Soda ash is also used as a cleaner. It's used to clean air and soften the water. Detergent cakes and powder are also produced using soda ash. Soda ash as a purifier removes sulfur dioxide and hydrochloric acids from stack gases in industries. Soda ash is also used in sweetening soft drinks and relieving physical discomfort.

Properties of Soda Ash

Soda ash is an odorless white powder, and it is stable and non-toxic. Soda ash is a non-flammable or explosive chemical.

• Molecular formula: Na2Co3
• Absolute Density: 2.533
• Molecular weight: 105.99 
• Melting Point: 851
• Solubility: 33.2 

Soda is categorized into 3 grades, namely, dense, light & washing soda. Though these three categories are based on density, these are similar in chemical properties and have differences in physical properties.