What are the raw materials for producing Sodium Metaaluminate (11138 - 49 - 1)?
Aug 25, 2025
Sodium Metaaluminate (CAS No. 11138 - 49 - 1) is a crucial chemical compound with a wide range of industrial applications. As a reliable supplier of Sodium Metaaluminate, I am often asked about the raw materials used in its production. In this blog, I will delve into the key raw materials and the production process, providing insights that can be valuable for those involved in various industries relying on this compound.
Key Raw Materials for Sodium Metaaluminate Production
Aluminum Source
The primary raw material for Sodium Metaaluminate production is an aluminum - containing substance. Aluminum hydroxide ($Al(OH)_3$) is one of the most commonly used sources. It is a white, crystalline powder that is readily available and relatively inexpensive. Aluminum hydroxide reacts with sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$) in a specific process to form Sodium Metaaluminate.
The chemical reaction can be represented as follows:
[Al(OH)_3 + NaOH \rightarrow NaAlO_2+ 2H_2O]
This reaction occurs under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure. The purity of the aluminum hydroxide used significantly affects the quality of the final Sodium Metaaluminate product. High - purity aluminum hydroxide ensures a higher - quality Sodium Metaaluminate with fewer impurities, which is essential for applications in industries such as water treatment and paper manufacturing.
Another aluminum source that can be used is aluminum oxide ($Al_2O_3$). Aluminum oxide, also known as alumina, is a hard, refractory material. However, it requires more energy - intensive processes to react with sodium hydroxide compared to aluminum hydroxide. The reaction between aluminum oxide and sodium hydroxide is:
[Al_2O_3+ 2NaOH \rightarrow 2NaAlO_2 + H_2O]
This reaction usually takes place at higher temperatures and pressures to break the strong bonds in aluminum oxide and promote the formation of Sodium Metaaluminate.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is another critical raw material in the production of Sodium Metaaluminate. It serves as a reactant that combines with the aluminum source to form the desired compound. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic and corrosive substance, and its handling requires strict safety precautions.
The quality of sodium hydroxide is of utmost importance. Impurities in sodium hydroxide can introduce unwanted elements into the Sodium Metaaluminate product, affecting its performance in end - use applications. High - purity sodium hydroxide is typically used to ensure the production of high - quality Sodium Metaaluminate.
The concentration of sodium hydroxide solution used in the reaction also plays a crucial role. A proper concentration is required to ensure an efficient reaction and the formation of the correct stoichiometry of Sodium Metaaluminate. If the concentration is too low, the reaction may be incomplete, leading to a lower yield of the product. On the other hand, if the concentration is too high, it may cause side reactions or difficulties in the subsequent processing steps.
Production Process
The production of Sodium Metaaluminate generally involves the following steps:
- Mixing: The aluminum source (either aluminum hydroxide or aluminum oxide) and sodium hydroxide are mixed in a reactor. The mixing process must be carefully controlled to ensure a uniform distribution of the reactants. This is usually achieved through mechanical stirring or agitation.
- Reaction: The mixture is then heated to a specific temperature to initiate the chemical reaction. The reaction temperature and time depend on the type of aluminum source used. For aluminum hydroxide, the reaction can occur at relatively lower temperatures, while for aluminum oxide, higher temperatures are required. During the reaction, the aluminum source reacts with sodium hydroxide to form Sodium Metaaluminate and water.
- Purification: After the reaction is complete, the product may contain impurities such as unreacted raw materials, by - products, or insoluble particles. Purification steps are carried out to remove these impurities. This can involve filtration to remove insoluble particles and crystallization or precipitation techniques to separate the Sodium Metaaluminate from other soluble impurities.
- Drying and Packaging: The purified Sodium Metaaluminate is then dried to remove excess water. It can be dried using various methods such as spray - drying or oven - drying. Once dried, the product is packaged in suitable containers for storage and transportation.
Applications of Sodium Metaaluminate
Sodium Metaaluminate has a wide range of applications in different industries.
In the water treatment industry, it is used as a coagulant and flocculant. It helps in the removal of suspended solids, turbidity, and certain heavy metals from water. By reacting with water and other substances in the water, it forms flocs that can be easily removed through sedimentation or filtration processes.
In the paper manufacturing industry, Sodium Metaaluminate is used as a sizing agent. It helps to improve the paper's strength, smoothness, and resistance to ink penetration. It also aids in the retention of fillers and fibers during the papermaking process.
Sodium Metaaluminate also finds applications in the production of other chemicals. For example, it is used in the production of Sodium Metaaluminate for White Carbon Black, Sodium Metaaluminate for Titanium Dioxide, and Sodium Aluminate for Molecular Sieve. In these applications, the specific properties of Sodium Metaaluminate are utilized to achieve the desired chemical reactions and product qualities.
Why Choose Our Sodium Metaaluminate
As a supplier of Sodium Metaaluminate, we are committed to providing high - quality products. We carefully select the raw materials, ensuring their purity and quality. Our production process is strictly controlled to maintain consistent product quality. We have advanced production facilities and a team of experienced technicians who monitor every step of the production process to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards.
Our Sodium Metaaluminate is suitable for a wide range of applications, and we can customize the product according to the specific requirements of our customers. Whether you need Sodium Metaaluminate for water treatment, paper manufacturing, or other chemical production, we can provide you with the right product.
Contact Us for Purchase
If you are interested in purchasing Sodium Metaaluminate or have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us. We are always ready to provide you with detailed product information and to discuss your specific needs. Our team of experts will work closely with you to ensure that you get the best - suited Sodium Metaaluminate for your applications.
References
- Kirk - Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.
- Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.
- Journal of Chemical Engineering and Technology related to inorganic chemical production.