|
Light soda ash
is a white,
odourless,
uniform product,
free from dirt
and other
foreign matter.
Physical and
chemical
properties
Soda ash has a
tendency to
absorb moisture
from the
atmosphere. The
moist soda ash
then starts
absorbing
atmospheric
carbon dioxide.
This phenomenon
of absorption of
moisture and
carbon dioxide
by soda ash is
known as
weathering.
After
weathering, soda
ash is likely to
contain
appreciable
moisture and
sodium
bicarbonate, but
the total alkali
content of the
bag does not
change. Soda ash
has a tendency
to cake when it
comes in contact
with moisture
and,
consequently,
becomes lumpy.
Chemical
formula: Na2CO3
O
| |
Structural
formula: Na
-- O -- C -- O
-- NA
Common names:
Sodium
carbonate,
calcined soda,
disodium
carbonate |
