ParameterCategory | SpecificIndicators(Industrial/FoodGrade) | Description |
Chemical Formula | Na₂SO₄ | Inorganic compound (sodium, sulfur, oxygen). |
Appearance | White crystalline powder/granules; odorless | High-purity: uniform particles; slight agglomeration in moisture. |
Purity | Industrial: ≥99.0% (anhydrous); Food: ≥99.5% | Food grade meets standards (e.g., China GB 1886.25-2020). |
Hygroscopicity | Low-moderate; anhydrous absorbs moisture slowly | May turn to decahydrate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O) in high humidity. |
Solubility | 19.5g/100mL (20℃, water); insoluble in ethanol | Peaks at ~42g/100mL (32.4℃), then decreases. |
Melting Point | 884℃ (anhydrous) | Decomposes above 884℃ (forms Na₂O, SO₃). |
pH Value (10% Aq. Sol.) | 6.0-8.0 (neutral) | Low corrosiveness to common equipment. |
Toxicity | Industrial: non-toxic, eye/skin irritant; Food: safe | Avoid prolonged industrial contact; rinse eyes with water if needed. |
Bulk Density | 1.0-1.3 g/cm³ (powder); 1.4-1.5 g/cm³ (granules) | Granular: easier to transport/auto-feed. |
Main Hydrates | Anhydrous (Na₂SO₄), Decahydrate ("Glauber's salt"), Heptahydrate | Anhydrous (industrial); Decahydrate (pharmaceuticals/cooling). |
1.Detergent and laundry aid manufacturing
Anhydrous sodium sulfate acts as a filler and anti-caking agent in powdered detergents. The compound improves the flowability of detergent formulations, prevents clumping during storage, and enhances the dispersion of active cleaning ingredients in water—boosting overall efficiency.
2.Glass production
In glass manufacturing, anhydrous sodium sulfate serves as a fluxing agent. Na₂SO₄ lowers the melting temperature of silica (SiO₂) and other glass raw materials, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the compound helps remove bubbles from molten glass, ensuring the final product’s transparency.
3.Textile dyeing and printing
Textile factories use anhydrous sodium sulfate as a dye-fixing agent. The material increases the affinity of dyes (especially reactive dyes) for fabric fibers, promoting even color absorption. Anhydrous sodium sulfate also prevents dye bleeding, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting textile colors.
4.Food processing (food-grade only)
Food-grade anhydrous sodium sulfate functions as a texture modifier and stabilizer in processed foods (e.g., baked goods, canned vegetables). Na₂SO₄ regulates moisture content in food products, maintains their structural integrity, and extends shelf life without affecting taste.
5.Industrial drying and chemical synthesis
Anhydrous sodium sulfate is a common drying agent in chemical laboratories and industries. The compound absorbs excess water from organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone) during synthesis processes. Anhydrous sodium sulfate is preferred for this use due to its low toxicity and ability to dry solutions without reacting with target compounds.