Sodium sulfate
| Infobox on Sodium sulfate | |
|---|---|
| Example of Sodium sulfate |  |
| Facts | |
| Origin | - |
| Stowage factor (in m3/t) | - |
| Humidity / moisture | - |
| Ventilation | - |
| Risk factors | See text |
Sodium sulfate
Description
Sodium sulfate is the sodium salt of sulfuric acid. When anhydrous, it is a white crystalline solid of formula Na2SO4 known as the mineral thenardite; the decahydrate Na2SO4•10H2O is found naturally as the mineral mirabilite, and in processed form has been known as Glauber's salt or, historically, sal mirabilis since the 17th century. Another solid is the heptahydrate, which transforms to mirabilite when cooled. With an annual production of 6 million tonnes, it is a major commodity chemical product.
Sodium sulfate is mainly used for the manufacture of detergents and in the Kraft process of paper pulping. About two-thirds of the world's production is from mirabilite, the natural mineral form of the decahydrate, and the remainder from by-products of chemical processes such as hydrochloric acid production.
Application
Used in the manufacture of kraft paper, paperboard, detergents and freezing mixtures, also in the processing of textile fibres.
Shipment / Storage / Risk factors
Shipped in drums or bags. Rapid deterioration takes place on exposure to the air. Soluble in water and glycerol, insoluble in alcohol. Non-combustible.
Not listed as a dangerous cargo. Consult the applicable MSDS sheet for safe handling advice.