Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)
Light and dense soda ash for glass manufacturing, detergent building, water softening, and chemical synthesis.
Product Overview
Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), commonly known as soda ash or washing soda, is a mild inorganic alkali and one of the highest-volume industrial chemicals produced globally. It is manufactured primarily by the Solvay process (from salt and limestone) and by mining natural trona ore deposits.
Texas-Chem supplies soda ash in both light (low bulk density) and dense (high bulk density) grades. Light soda ash is preferred for glass manufacturing and chemical synthesis; dense soda ash is preferred for detergent manufacturing and applications requiring reduced dusting.
Common Applications
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 497-19-8 |
| Molecular Formula | Na2CO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 105.99 g/mol |
| Appearance | White powder or granules |
| Grades Available | Light Soda Ash, Dense Soda Ash |
| pH (1% solution) | 11.6 |
| Bulk Density (light) | 500–600 kg/m3 |
| Bulk Density (dense) | 900–1,100 kg/m3 |
| Grade | Industrial, FCC |
| Packaging | Bags, Super Sacks, Bulk |
Safety & Documentation
Sodium carbonate is a mild irritant. Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes and skin. Use dust mask and safety glasses when handling dry product. Review SDS before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between light and dense soda ash?
Light soda ash has a lower bulk density (500-600 kg/m3) and is preferred for glass manufacturing and chemical synthesis. Dense soda ash has a higher bulk density (900-1,100 kg/m3), produces less dust, and is preferred for detergent manufacturing and applications requiring free-flowing powder.
Is soda ash the same as baking soda?
No. Soda ash is sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), a stronger alkali with a pH of about 11.6. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), a milder alkali with a pH of about 8.3. They are related compounds but have different properties and applications.
What industries use sodium carbonate?
The largest users are glass manufacturing (about 50% of global consumption), detergent and soap manufacturing, chemical synthesis, water treatment, and pulp and paper. It is also used in textile processing, mining, and flue gas treatment.
Does Texas-Chem supply food-grade soda ash?
Yes. Texas-Chem supplies FCC-grade (Food Chemicals Codex) sodium carbonate for food and beverage applications including pH adjustment, leavening, and processing aid uses.
Packaging Options
Key Properties
Delivery Info
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) vs. Alternatives
Sodium carbonate (soda ash) is a mild alkali widely used in glass, detergents, and water treatment. Here's how it compares to stronger caustics.
| Attribute | Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) | Sodium Bicarbonate | Sodium Hydroxide |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH (1% solution) | 11.6 | 8.3 | 13.0 |
| Form Available | Light Soda Ash, Dense Soda Ash | Powder, Granular | Liquid (50%), Flake |
| Primary Use | Glass, detergents, water softening, pH control | Food, pharma, flue gas treatment | Paper, water treatment, chemical synthesis |
| Handling Safety | Low hazard — mild irritant | Very low hazard — food safe | High hazard — severe burns |
| Relative Cost | Low — commodity | Low — commodity | Low — commodity |
Industries We Supply Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) To
Glass Manufacturing
Soda ash is one of the three primary raw materials in glass production, lowering the melting point of silica sand in container, flat, and specialty glass manufacturing.
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) supply in Houston, TXDetergent & Cleaning Products
Used as a builder and water softener in powdered laundry detergents, dishwasher compounds, and industrial cleaning formulations.
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) supply in Dallas, TXWater Treatment
Soda ash is used to raise pH and precipitate hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) in municipal water softening and industrial process water treatment.
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) supply in Fort Worth, TXChemical Synthesis
Feedstock for sodium silicate, sodium bicarbonate, and various sodium salt production in chemical manufacturing.
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) supply in San Antonio, TX