EN 
UA 
Information
Sodium sulphate, also known as sodium sulphate, is the sodium salt of sulphuric acid. It is a crystalline, hygroscopic white material or powder that may have a greyish tint. Its enhanced wetting effect means that it absorbs moisture from the environment quickly. About half of its weight is crystallisation water, which melts when heated. The substance is easily soluble in water but insoluble in alcohols. The chemical formula for this compound is Na2SO4.
In nature, sodium sulphate can occur in the form of the mineral tenardite and its reserves are huge, forming glauber's salt. Despite the natural occurrence of the substance, there is an industrial process for its production. This process involves the reaction between sodium chloride and sulphuric acid, which takes place in special furnaces. Sodium sulphate can also be formed as a by-product in the production of sodium chromate. The substance is produced under different grades, such as A and B (superior, 1st and 2nd grades). Grade A crystallohydrate is an industrial product, while grade B is naturally occurring.
Today, sodium sulphate is widely used in various industrial sectors:
- Glassmaking: it is one of the key components of the charge.
- Woodworking: used in sulphite pulping of pulp.
- Light industry: used to dye cotton fabrics and create viscose silk.
- Chemical industry: used in the production of various chemicals such as soda ash, sulphuric acid, ammonium sulphate and for dehydrating organic solvents.
- Food industry: used as a food additive, regulating acidity.
- Construction: used as an anti-freeze additive and as a concrete hardening accelerator.