4A Zeolite Powder CAS 69912-79-4

4A Zeolite is a crystalline porous material with a three-dimensional framework. The “4A” refers to the pore size of 4 Angstroms. In the detergent industry, it acts as an ion exchanger.

How it works: The sodium ions inside the zeolite structure are easily exchanged for calcium ions (and to a lesser extent, magnesium) present in hard water. By trapping the calcium, it “softens” the water, allowing surfactants to work efficiently to remove dirt.

Key Features of our Production:

1. High Whiteness: Our calcination and synthesis process ensures a whiteness of > 96%, which is critical for maintaining the bright appearance of final detergent powders.
2. Liquid Carrying Capacity: It has a high absorption capacity for liquid surfactants (like Non-ionic surfactants), allowing detergent manufacturers to produce high-concentrate powders.
3. Low Residue: We monitor the sieve residue (45μm) strictly to ensure the powder dissolves/disperses completely without leaving grit.

Physicochemical Properties

The data below represents typical specifications for our Detergent Grade 4A Zeolite.

Applications

1. Laundry Detergents (Powder):
   • Main Use: Acts as the principal builder (softener) in phosphate-free detergent powders. It boosts the cleaning power of surfactants.
   • Dosage: Typically comprises 20-40% of the total detergent formulation.
2. PVC Stabilizers:
   • Used as a co-stabilizer in PVC heat stabilizers (Ca-Zn stabilizers). It captures Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) released during PVC processing, preventing degradation and discoloration of the plastic.
3. Soap Bars:
   • Added to soap to improve lathering in hard water areas and improve the structure of the bar.
4. Water Treatment:
   • Used in specific industrial wastewater treatments to remove ammonium or heavy metal ions.

Storage Conditions

• Moisture Sensitivity: Zeolite 4A is highly hygroscopic (loves water). If left open, it will absorb moisture from the air, reducing its effectiveness as a builder.
• Warehouse: Store in a dry, ventilated warehouse.
• Stacking: Do not stack pallets too high to prevent the powder in bottom bags from compacting, although Zeolite generally has good anti-caking properties compared to other salts.
• Seal: Re-seal partial bags immediately after use.

Safety Precautions

• Inhalation: It is a fine dust. Long-term inhalation of high concentrations of any dust can be harmful. Workers should wear dust masks (N95/FFP2) during hopper feeding.
• Skin/Eye Contact: The solution is alkaline (pH ~11).
  • Eyes: Can cause irritation. Rinse immediately with water.
  • Skin: Wash with soap and water after handling. Prolonged contact may dry out the skin.
• Ecological: Zeolite 4A is considered environmentally friendly as it is inert and breaks down into natural aluminosilicates (sand/clay) in the environment, unlike phosphates which cause algal blooms.