SODIUM ALUMINATE Meaning and
Definition
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Sodium aluminate is a chemical compound with the formula NaAlO2. It is an inorganic salt that is soluble in water and belongs to the class of compounds known as aluminates. Sodium aluminate is commonly used in various industrial applications due to its unique properties and versatility.
In terms of its chemical structure, sodium aluminate consists of a sodium cation (Na+) and an aluminate anion (AlO2-). It is typically derived from the reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3). This reaction results in the formation of sodium aluminate and water.
One of the primary applications of sodium aluminate is in the water treatment industry. It is used as a flocculant to help separate impurities from water during the treatment process. Sodium aluminate acts as a coagulating agent, causing fine particles and suspended solids to aggregate and settle, ultimately improving water quality.
Additionally, sodium aluminate finds use in the production of various construction materials. It is added to cement formulations to enhance its strength and durability. Sodium aluminate contributes to the formation of hydrated phases, which are responsible for the hardening of concrete.
Other industrial applications of sodium aluminate include as a catalyst in chemical reactions, in the paper and pulp industry as a sizing agent, and in the manufacturing of fire-resistant materials. Its properties make it suitable for a range of uses across different sectors, contributing to its significant importance in various industrial processes.
Etymology of SODIUM ALUMINATE
The word "sodium" originates from the Medieval Latin term "sodanum" or "sodanum carbonate", which refers to "headache remedy" or "headache salt". It gained this name due to its use in treating headaches. The term "aluminate" is derived from the name of the chemical compound "alum", which is a double sulfate salt of a monovalent metal (such as potassium or ammonium) combined with aluminum. The suffix "-ate" indicates that aluminate is an anion, a negative ion. Hence, "sodium aluminate" refers to a compound composed of sodium cations and aluminate anions.
