Sodium Percarbonate (SPC) – Detailed Introduction

1. Basic Information

• Chemical Formula: 2Na₂CO₃ · 3H₂O₂

• CAS Number: 15630-89-4

• Appearance: White or slightly yellowish granules or powder

• Solubility: Easily dissolves in water, decomposing into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)

• Eco-friendliness: Non-toxic, leaves no harmful residues, and is environmentally friendly

2. Major Applications

(1) Cleaning and Detergent Industry

• Laundry Detergents & Bleaching Agents: Used as an oxygen-based bleach to enhance stain removal.

• Dishwashing Detergents: Releases hydrogen peroxide, effectively breaking down grease and stubborn stains.

• Carpet and Fabric Cleaners: Helps remove tough stains such as coffee, wine, and blood.

• Dental Cleaning: Used in denture-cleaning tablets to remove stains and bacteria.

(2) Industrial Applications

• Pulp & Textile Bleaching: Acts as an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine-based bleaching agents.

• Leather Processing: Used for degreasing and cleaning leather.

• Electronics Industry: Cleans electronic components and removes contaminants.

(3) Water Treatment

• Swimming Pool Disinfection: Decomposes into hydrogen peroxide, providing an oxidation effect for cleaner water.

• Wastewater Treatment: Helps oxidize organic pollutants, improving water quality.

(4) Agriculture and Food Industry

• Grain Storage Sanitization: Prevents mold and bacterial growth.

• Fruit & Vegetable Cleaning: Removes pesticide residues and bacteria.

3. Working Principle

When dissolved in water, sodium percarbonate undergoes the following reaction:

2Na₂CO₃·3H₂O₂ → 2Na₂CO₃ + 3H₂O₂ (Decomposes into sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide)

• Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂): Further breaks down into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂), releasing active oxygen for bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing.

• Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃): Acts as a pH regulator, enhances cleaning performance, and helps remove grease and stains.

4. Usage & Recommended Dosage

(1) Household Cleaning

• Laundry Booster: Add 5–10g per wash to enhance stain removal and whitening.

• Dishwasher Cleaner: Add 3–5g per cycle to remove grease and tough stains.

• Carpet Cleaning: Dissolve 5–10g per liter of water, spray on stains, let sit, then wipe off.

(2) Industrial Applications

• Textile Bleaching: Typically used at 5–10% concentration, applied at 50–80°C.

• Pulp Bleaching: Used at a concentration of 4–6%, often combined with other bleaching agents.

(3) Water Treatment

• Swimming Pool Disinfection: Add 10–15g per cubic meter of water to maintain cleanliness.

• Wastewater Treatment: Used as an oxidizing agent, dosage depends on contamination levels.

5. Leading Global Manufacturers

(1) International Key Players

• Solvay (Belgium) – A leading global chemical company producing high-quality sodium percarbonate.

• Evonik (Germany) – Supplies industrial-grade sodium percarbonate for various applications.

• OCI Peroxygens (South Korea) – A major Asian producer of sodium percarbonate.

• Kemira (Finland) – Specializes in high-performance sodium percarbonate for industrial and environmental applications.

• Tata Chemicals (India) – Manufactures eco-friendly sodium percarbonate products.

6. Safety & Storage

• Avoid Moisture: Store in a dry, sealed container to prevent premature decomposition.

• Keep Away from Heat & Sunlight: High temperatures accelerate breakdown, reducing effectiveness.

• Avoid Mixing with Strong Acids & Reducing Agents: May cause unstable reactions.

• Use Protective Gear: When handling, wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid direct contact.

7. Conclusion

Sodium Percarbonate is a highly effective and eco-friendly oxygen-based bleach, widely used in cleaning, industrial bleaching, water treatment, and agriculture. Its key advantages include non-toxicity, biodegradability, and high performance, making it a preferred alternative to traditional chlorine-based bleach. With the increasing demand for green chemicals and sustainable solutions, sodium percarbonate has a promising future in various industries.