Soda ash, commonly known as sodium carbonate, is an odorless white powder. It absorbs moisture as well as forms strong alkaline aqueous solutions and is neither toxic nor flammable. Naturally occurring in dry regions extracted from mineral deposits in trona ore or produced synthetically in large quantities from limestone and sodium chloride using the Solvay process. Below are some of the uses for soda ash:
Industrial:
Used in dyes and coloring agents
Synthetic fertilizers and detergents
Environmental:
Help treat alkalinity in lakes affected by acid rain
Helps reduce emissions from power plants
Also used in:
Glass manufacturing
Metallurgy
Manufacturing detergents
Soil preparation
Water softning