Sodium gluconate is a salt of gluconate acid created through the fermentation of glucose. With a formula of NaC6H11O7, sodium gluconate is a white, granular powder that is highly soluble in cold and hot water. It is resistant to oxidation and degradation even at extremely high temperatures.
Sodium gluconate exhibits remarkable stability across a wide range of temperatures. It showcases compatibility with oxidisers and possesses an exceptionally low concentration of sulfates.
It is non-toxic, biodegradable, non-corrosive, and renewable. Sodium gluconate is mainly used as a chelating agent in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions. Due to its excellent chelating power, it creates stable chelates with most heavy metals such as copper, calcium, iron, and aluminium.
Various applications of sodium gluconate include its utilisation as an admixture in cement to extend the setting time, thereby improving the workability and strength of the cement. In the realm of oil and gas well-drilling fluids, it serves as a corrosion and scale inhibitor. Additionally, sodium gluconate finds application as an additive in metalworking fluids to prevent rust formation and as an industrial cleaner for metal and glass surfaces. Notably, it can be effectively formulated and employed as a substitute for common chelating agents like EDTA, citric acid, NTA, and THPS.
Sodium gluconate has many uses in a variety of fields, including the cleaning industry, food industry, water treatment industry, construction sector, and pharmaceutical industry.
Sodium Gluconate In The Construction Industry
In construction applications, sodium gluconate is primarily used as a concrete admixture. It can be added to concrete to help reduce the water demand, increase the fluidity of concrete, and improve workability.
Sodium gluconate can also help minimise segregation, shrinkage, and bleeding in concrete mixes. It can also reduce the corrosion of steel in concrete materials and speed up the hydration process. It also improves the properties of concrete, such as durability, strength, and increased setting times.
This salt can also be used as a set retarder in concrete mixtures to help reduce the rate at which concrete cures. Sodium gluconate works by influencing the hydration process by reducing the rate of hydration of cement. This allows more time for the concrete to be mixed and placed.
See Retarding Products for Concrete Admixtures
Sodium Gluconate In The Food Industry
In the food industry, sodium gluconate is used mainly as a sequestrant, stabiliser, thickener, and buffer. It acts as a sequestrant to sequester metal ions, which helps prevent them from reacting with other ingredients.
As a buffer, sodium gluconate helps maintain a consistent pH level in food products. It also acts as a thickener and stabiliser when used as a food additive. In addition, it can be used as a preservative to prevent discolouration and spoilage.
Sodium Gluconate In The Cleaning Industry
Sodium gluconate is primarily used as a chelating agent in the cleaning industry. It binds and removes mineral salts and metals from surfaces, making them easier to clean. This salt is also used as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial cleaning solutions. It can also be used as a cleaning agent for laundry detergents, thanks to its ability to break calcium bonds carrying dirt.
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