All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(2295 products available)
The global sodium bicarbonate market was driven by several factors. These include a growing demand from the food and beverage industry; increasing need for fire safety and control, particularly in the oil and gas sectors; and a rise in demand for pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate, which is mainly used as an antacid and in kidney dialysis. Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, has a variety of uses. They range from an ingredient in baked goods to a component in pharmaceutical products to an essential part of fire safety in industries.
Sodium bicarbonate NAHCO3 is a versatile chemical with numerous applications across various industries. It serves as a leavening agent in the food industry, contributing to the production of baked goods by helping them rise. Beyond the kitchen, it plays a crucial role in healthcare as a key ingredient in antacids and electrolyte-balancing solutions. It is also used in kidney dialysis to neutralize excess acid in the body. In the cleaning sector, sodium bicarbonate is valued for its gentle abrasive properties, making it an effective and safe stain-removing agent.
Sodium bicarbonate is available in bulk to business customers in several grades. Each of these is suitable for a variety of applications and uses.
Food-grade sodium bicarbonate is mainly used in the food sector as a leavening agent. It helps in making baked items such as cakes, bread, and cookies. It is also used as an acidity neutralizer and a food preservative. Sodium bicarbonate also finds application in the beverage industry. It is used to control the acidity of fruit juices and soft drinks.
Industrial-grade sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in various sectors for applications that do not need food-grade purity. One of these uses is the glass manufacturing sector. This is where it's needed for chemical composition and as a polishing agent. In metal processing, it is used for desulfurization and phosphorization processes. Industrial-grade sodium bicarbonate is also widely used in abrasive blasting. This is where the cleaning and smoothing of surfaces with an economical abrasive is required.
Pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate is produced under strict quality control measures to ensure its safety and efficacy for medical use. It is mainly utilized in healthcare. For example, it is a key ingredient in antacids that relieve heartburn and indigestion. In medicine, it is used in sodium bicarbonate injection to help neutralize acidity in the body. It is especially useful in treating metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, it serves as a buffering agent in pharmaceutical formulations to maintain the stability of acidic medicines.
Technical sodium bicarbonate is mainly used in non-food industrial applications. That is to say, it is for industries such as wastewater treatment. In this sector, it helps neutralize acids in the water and thus aids in the treatment of acidic wastewater. It is also used in the textile industry. It is usually utilized as a buffer in dyeing processes and helps in color fixation. Moreover, this type of sodium bicarbonate can be used in flue gas treatment. Here, it aids in the removal of acidic gases like sulfur dioxide from industrial emissions.
Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline solid or powder that resembles baking soda. It is, however, important to note that the industrial-grade type will likely not look the same as the food-grade type. This is because the food-grade sodium bicarbonate will always be more refined than its counterpart.
Sodium bicarbonate has a relatively low solubility in water. Its solubility is around 964 grams per liter at room temperature. It can, however, be dissolved in higher concentrations at elevated temperatures. For instance, its solubility at 60 degrees Celsius is approximately 1,307 grams per liter.
The compound has a melting point range of 270 to 400 degrees Celsius. It will, however, decompose at around 50 degrees Celsius to release carbon dioxide and water. Sodium bicarbonate has a sodium content of about 27.7%. It also has a bicarbonate content of around 63.4%.
Note that sodium bicarbonate should always be stored in a cool, dry place. It should also be kept away from acidic substances and moisture to prevent premature action and waste formation. If stored properly in sealed containers, sodium bicarbonate can maintain its effectiveness for up to 2-3 years.
Sodium bicarbonate does not usually require maintenance as it is a stable compound. That said, it will need to be regularly monitored for purity. This is more so if it's intended for pharmaceutical or food-grade use. Buyers are also advised to check for clumping or caking. This often results from exposure to humidity. When this happens, the product may need to be replaced once caked.
If the customers hang out in areas exposed to dust, then consider using a mask and dust goggles during handling to avoid inhalation or irritation. Avoid storing sodium bicarbonate in containers that have been used for chemicals or solvents. This is to prevent contamination.
In the food industry, sodium bicarbonate is used as a leavening agent in baked goods. It is especially ideal for cakes, cookies, and bread. This is where a balanced rise and texture are desired. It is also used as a pH regulator in food processing. For instance, it helps neutralize excess acidity in fruit juices. In the beverage sector, it is used to reduce acidic taste in drinks and provide a smoother texture.
On the other hand, pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate is widely used in medical treatments. For instance, it is used to neutralize excess gastric acid. It provides relief from heartburn and indigestion. Sodium bicarbonate injection is another common application. Medical practitioners use it to correct metabolic acidosis in patients. Sodium bicarbonate is also used in dialysis procedures to help balance electrolytes.
In cleaning and housekeeping, sodium bicarbonate is used as a stain remover. It helps eliminate tough stains on surfaces, carpets, and upholstery without scratching or damaging the material. It is also used as a natural deodorizer. Sodium bicarbonate is effective in eliminating odors in refrigerators, carpets, and other areas.
Moreover, in the agricultural sector, sodium bicarbonate is used as a feed supplement for livestock. It helps buffer acids in the animal's stomach. This promotes better digestion and improves overall animal health.
The vast applicability of sodium bicarbonate makes it useful for multiple industries and in varying circumstances. Here are a few:
In the pharmaceutical space, sodium bicarbonate is used to make antacids that reduce stomach acidity. It is also used in sodium bicarbonate injections as an acid neutralizer in metabolic disorders. This helps balance electrolytes in patients.
In water treatment facilities, sodium bicarbonate is used to neutralize acidic wastewater. It helps maintain a balanced pH level. This ensures that the water is treated properly before it is discharged back into the environment.
Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in personal care products and cosmetics. It is incorporated as an abrasive agent in toothpaste. It therefore helps eliminate stains and strengthen the teeth. In deodorants, it helps neutralize body odor by balancing pH.
In the agriculture space, sodium bicarbonate is commonly added to animal feed. It helps improve digestion and buffers stomach acids in livestock. This promotes optimal digestion and enhances their overall health and well-being.
Sodium bicarbonate is widely used in chemical plants and oil refineries. It helps put out fires in emergencies. It works by disrupting the chemical reactions that sustain flames. This effectively extinguishes the fire and doesn't contribute to environmental pollution.
Sodium bicarbonate is a key ingredient in many household cleaning products. Its mild abrasiveness makes it effective for scrubbing surfaces without scratching them. It also helps eliminate stubborn stains on carpets and upholstery.
When selecting sodium bicarbonate for buyers, consider the business customers' intended use. If they are looking for food-grade sodium bicarbonate, refer them to food-grade sodium bicarbonate. The same case applies in the pharmaceutical space. On the other hand, industrial clients may require technical or technical-grade sodium bicarbonate.
Once the type is settled on, there are a few other things to look into. First, buyers should ensure they source high-quality sodium bicarbonate. They should check that it has a minimum purity of 99% for industrial and technical uses and around 99.5% for pharmaceutical uses.
To ensure the customers get high-quality products, they should request the suppliers to provide them with the necessary certifications. These certifications can be quality management certifications like ISO 9001 or product certifications like those cemented by the Food and Drug Administration. These certifications will be especially necessary when dealing with sodium bicarbonate that will be resold to pharmaceutical or food processing companies.
Next, consider the sodium bicarbonate suppliers' capacity. How much can they even supply? Buyers need to ensure their suppliers can meet the required sodium bicarbonate quantities without compromising the product's quality. Finally, consider the supplier's reputation and reliability. Buy from reputable suppliers with positive reviews across multiple credible platforms. This will increase the chances of a satisfactory customer experience.
A1. Yes, business customers can use sodium bicarbonate in agriculture. Just like in other spaces, it is widely used. Farmers use it as a nutritional supplement for livestock. It helps improve their overall digestion and buffers the acidity in their stomachs. This improves the animals' health and boosts their productivity.
A2. Customers should pay attention to indicators like the material's dusty and faded appearance. A sudden smell of chemicals may also indicate the compound is spent and the container needs to be replaced. Physical changes like clumping and caking may also signify the bicarbonate is spent. Moreover, stock also needs to be refilled once the compound is used up to ensure there's always a constant supply.
A3. There is no difference between baking soda and sodium bicarbonate. They are both names for the same chemical compound, sodium bicarbonate. However, there are slight differences between table salt and sodium chloride. Both are names for the same thing. But table salt may contain other minerals and anti-caking agents.
A4. Yes, sodium bicarbonate can help put off fires. It is highly effective at extinguishing chemical fires. It works by releasing carbon dioxide when heated. This then displaces the oxygen surrounding the fire and thus extinguishes the flames.
A5. Sodium bicarbonate is not harmful to health when used in moderation. In fact, it is commonly used in multiple food and pharmaceutical products. People only experience its negative side when they consume too much of it. Even then, it is an ingredient in antacids. These products help neutralize excess stomach acidity.
