What Is Sodium Gluconate and How Is It Used in Industry?
Technical Introduction
Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid, a natural organic acid derived from glucose through fermentation. It appears as a white crystalline powder or granules, highly soluble in water. Known for its excellent chelating ability, sodium gluconate effectively binds metal ions like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It is widely used as a chelating agent, scale inhibitor, and corrosion inhibitor in various industrial and consumer products.
Applications
Construction Industry: Used as a concrete admixture to improve workability, retard setting time, and prevent scale formation.
Cleaning Products: Acts as a builder and stabilizer in detergents and cleaners by chelating metal ions that reduce cleaning efficiency.
Food Industry: Serves as a food additive and preservative (E576) to enhance mineral bioavailability and stabilize food products.
Textile Industry: Prevents metal ion interference during dyeing and finishing processes.
Water Treatment: Controls hardness and prevents scale and corrosion in boilers and cooling systems.
Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Used as a stabilizer and sequestrant.
Advantages
Excellent Chelation: Effectively binds metal ions, improving product stability and performance.
Biodegradable and Non-Toxic: Environmentally friendly with low ecological impact.
Water Soluble: Easily dissolves in aqueous systems for versatile use.
Corrosion and Scale Inhibition: Protects metal surfaces and prevents deposit formation.
Safe for Food and Personal Care: Approved for use in food and cosmetics.
Specifications (Typical Parameters)
| Parameter | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Physical state | White crystalline powder |
| Purity | Content of sodium gluconate | ≥ 98% |
| pH (5% solution) | Acidity/alkalinity | 6.5 - 8.5 |
| Moisture Content | Water content | ≤ 1% |
| Solubility | In water | Fully soluble |
| Chelating Capacity | CaCO₃ equivalent | ≥ 250 mg/g |
| Bulk Density | Powder density | 0.8 - 1.0 g/cm³ |
FAQ
Q1: How does sodium gluconate improve concrete?
A: It chelates calcium ions, improving fluidity, delaying setting time, and preventing scale formation.
Q2: Is sodium gluconate safe for food applications?
A: Yes, it is approved as a food additive (E576) and is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Q3: Can sodium gluconate be used in water treatment?
A: Yes, it controls hardness and prevents scale and corrosion in industrial water systems.
Q4: What is the typical dosage in cleaning products?
A: Dosage varies but usually ranges from 0.1% to 5%, depending on formulation requirements.
Q5: Is sodium gluconate environmentally friendly?
A: Yes, it biodegrades readily and poses minimal environmental risks.
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