Production of sodium sulfate as a by-product during boric acid fabrication from borax

Mergen A., Demirhan H., Bilen M., Gunduz M.

SILICATES INDUSTRIELS, vol.69, no.11-12, pp.87-92, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 69 Issue: 11-12
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Journal Name: SILICATES INDUSTRIELS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.87-92
  • Keywords: sodium sulfate, borax, boric acid, crystallization, by-product
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Sodium sulfate was obtained as a by-product in a process applied to fabricate boric acid crystals from borax solution with concentration of 155 g B2O3/1000 g solution, which contained around 65 g Na2O/1000 g solution and prepared from borax ore. Sodium sulfate crystallized before and after crystallization of boric acid had purities of betweea 95-98,5% and the purity was increased over 99% by refining. XRD analysis of sodium sulfate powders indicated that sodium sulfate were crystalline and contained only single phase. DTA-TG of sodium sulfate crystals were consistent with the data given in the literature. SEM investigation of sodium sulfate crystals revealed that, sodium sulfate particles had large angular particles of between 100-300 mum with octahedral morphology and revealing no agglomeration between the particles.