Sodium Acetate Information, Uses and Applications
Sodium
acetate is used in the textile industry to
neutralize sulfuric acid waste streams, and as a
photoresist while
using aniline dyes. It is also a pickling
agent in chrome tanning, and it helps to retard
vulcanization of chloroprene
in synthetic rubber production.
It is the
chemical that gives salt and vinegar chips
(crisps) their flavor. It may also be added to foods as a
preservative; in this application it is usually written as "sodium
diacetate" and labeled E262.
As the
conjugate base of a weak acid, a solution of sodium acetate and acetic
acid can act as a buffer to keep a
relatively constant pH. This is useful especially in biochemical
applications where reactions are pH dependent.
Traditional applications of this buffering agent
include the leather tanning and dye industries. It is used in
TANNING to effect a more even
and rapid penetration of the tan. In the Textile
industry, it is considered a dye and color intermediate, with specific
use as a mordant in the dyeing process. Because of its ability to remove
insoluble calcium salts, sodium acetate is further used by the textile
industry to improve the wearing quality of finished fabrics.
It is considered one of the best agents available for
the neutralization of mineral acids. It is commonly used in Soap
Making.
The Food industry relies on it as a buffer in
controlling pH of food items during various stages of processing as well
as for the finished consumable item. Sodium acetate is also used as a
flavor enhancer in meat and poultry.
It may be added to foods as a seasoning,
and to alcoholic beverages to decrease
the risk of a hangover.
The Cosmetic industry also values a
good buffering agent, so it uses sodium acetate in a wide variety of
personal care items.
In Plastic manufacturing, it is used
as a retarder for elastomers (polymers with elastic properties of
rubber). The Photographic industry traditionally
included it in its developer formula.
Newer applications of sodium acetate include its use as
a carbon source in Water treatment. Acetate is a safe
and environmentally-friendly alternative to hazardous methanol for the
denitrification of wastewater.
The Petroleum
industry relies on it as a buffering agent in petroleum
production, drilling muds, and oil completion fluids.
It is also used in consumer Heating pads or hand
warmers and is also used in hot ice. Sodium acetate trihydrate crystals
melt at 58 °C, dissolving in their water of crystallization. When they
are heated to around 100 °C, and subsequently allowed to cool, the
aqueous solution becomes supersaturated. This solution is capable of
supercooling to room temperature without forming crystals. By clicking
on a metal disc in the heating pad, a nucleation center is formed which
causes the solution to crystallize into solid sodium acetate trihydrate
again. The bond-forming process of crystallization is exothermic, hence
heat is emitted. The latent heat of fusion is about 264–289 kJ/kg.
Unlike some other types of heat packs that depend on irreversible
chemical reactions, sodium acetate heat packs can be easily recharged by
boiling until all crystals are dissolved. Therefore they can be recycled
indefinitely.
The MEDICAL &
PHARMACEUTICAL industry uses it in formula for diuretic
expectorants and systemic alkalizers. It is commonly used in dry blends
for renal dialysis. The heat of crystallization generated by it is
widely and effectively used in the heat pack industry.
Another new application of this versatile chemical is
in poultry farming. Sodium acetate is added to drinking water for
chickens to help prevent disease conditions associated with overheating
and dehydration.
It is widely used in de-icer products, especially at airports
It is also used as a buffer in petroleum production, and for
kidney dialysis processes.
All in all, sodium acetate indeed is a remarkable
chemical with applications span a wide range of industries.
