Introduction

The sodium sulfide compound is used in a wide variety of fields in general, from chemicals and textiles to paper and water treatment. With its highly reactive nature, special chemical properties, and critical usefulness in various manufacturing processes, this chemical material will see more expanded uses as an efficient and effective commodity chemical for diverse uses in settings that involve it.

What is Sodium Sulfide?

Sodium sulfide, Na₂S, is a yellow to reddish crystalline solid that dissolves well in water to form a strongly alkaline solution. It is a strong reducing agent and commercially available either anhydrous or hydrated, depending on specific industrial needs. Its characteristic odor results from the ready release of hydrogen sulfide gas upon moistening.

Industrially, sodium sulfide finds great demand for its properties as a reducing and purifying agent. It has applications in many processes requiring consistency and definite chemical performance.

Properties of Sodium Sulfide

• Chemical Formula: Na₂S
• Molecular Weight: 78.04 g/mol (anhydrous form)
• Appearance: Yellow to red flakes or granules, varying with impurities and hydration level
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, producing a strongly alkaline solution
• Odor: Characterized by a pungent smell due to hydrogen sulfide gas
• Reactivity: Reacts with acids to produce hydrogen sulfide gas and with oxidizing agents and atmospheric moisture

Applications and Uses of Sodium Sulfide

Sodium sulfide’s unique properties make it indispensable in a variety of industries. Below are its major applications:

1. Pulp and Paper Industry

• The Kraft process employs sodium sulfide to dissolve the natural binder in wood, lignin, which separates the cellulose fibers. It provides a product that is very suitable for high-quality paper products ranging from packaging materials to printing papers for commercial use.

2. Water Treatment

• It effectively precipitates heavy metals as insoluble sulfides in wastewater treatment and is thus used for the removal of heavy metals. It acts as an oxygen scavenger, thus preventing corrosion in water systems. For this reason, it has become indispensable at municipal and industrial water treatment centers.

3. Textile Industry

• It serves in textiles as a degumming and desulfurizing agent. It removes sulfur impurities and neutralizes chlorine-based bleaching agents to ensure superior fabric quality with minimum environmental impact. This contributes to more sustainable and efficient textile production processes.

4. Leather Industry

• The tanning process of leather production uses sodium sulfide, which acts in the depolymerization of proteins, thus removing hair from animal hides to produce soft and high-quality leather for clothing, furniture, and accessories.

5. Chemical Manufacturing

• Na₂S is essential in producing sulfur dyes and rubber chemicals. It enhances rubber elasticity and provides durable, colorfast dyes for textiles and industrial products, ensuring longevity and performance.

Various Grades

Na₂S is produced and supplied in different grades, tailored to meet diverse industrial needs. These grades vary in purity, physical form, and composition, ensuring compatibility with specific applications.

1. Flake Sodium Sulfide

• Flake sodium sulfide, in 60 to 70% purity, is applied to papermaking, water treatment, and leather tanning. It has always given consistent quality and is easy to handle, its superior chemical stability makes it preferred for industrial use all over the world.

2. Granular Sodium Sulfide

• Sodium sulfide granular, therefore, with improved flowability and low-dust properties, is ideal for automated processes within mining and oil recovery. Consequently, safe and efficient handling will ensure that operations run smoothly and at peak performance within these heavy industries.

3. Low-Iron Sodium Sulfide

• This grade has very minimal iron content and is ideal for high-purity applications involved in the manufacture of dyes and pigments. It allows for quality goods to be produced without the chance of contamination with abnormal colors.

4. Technical Grade Sodium Sulfide

• Technical-grade sodium sulfide finds its broad application in general industrial use cost-effectively, including in mineral flotation and crude oil recovery. Its inexpensiveness, along with reliable performance, makes it very popular worldwide wherever high-volume uses are involved.

5. Sodium Sulfide Solution

• Sodium sulfide is available in different aqueous concentrations that can be used directly for easy application. It is very widely used for different applications, especially in chemical manufacturing and water treatment systems.

Production Process

Na₂S is industrially produced through the reduction of sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) with a carbon source like coal or coke at high temperatures (1000–1200°C), yielding sodium sulfide and carbon dioxide:

Na₂SO₄ + 2C → Na₂S + 2CO₂

An alternative method involves reacting sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S):

2NaOH + H₂S → Na₂S + 2H₂O

These methods ensure a steady supply for industries requiring this essential chemical.

Packaging and Storage

Sodium sulfide usually comes in polyethylene-lined woven bags or steel drums ranging in capacity from 25 kg up to 1,000 kg. Labeling and transportation shall conform to appropriate regulations; UN No. 1849 is the number to identify the material. It should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials to maintain the product for a longer period in good quality. Furthermore, the storage environment should be checked frequently enough to spot a leak or product contamination that would damage product integrity.

Safety Considerations

Handling this compound requires strict safety measures:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas.
• Emergency Measures: In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention.

Due to its reactive nature, adherence to safety protocols is crucial to minimize risks.

Conclusion

Sodium sulfide or Na₂S is a very important industrial chemical used in many industries, which include paper, textiles, and water treatment. The properties, different grades, and versatility of applications make it an asset for industrial processes. Because it is highly reactive and hazardous, handling and storage are critical in terms of safety and product integrity.

High-quality sourced sodium sulfide is prepared for every need with a globally trusted supplier of chemical products, ZÜMRÜT International Kimya Co. Contact us today for more information about the offering and how we can satisfy your industrial needs.

TECHNICAL DATASHEET

SPECIFICATIONS	RESULTS
Appearance	Yellow Flakes
Na2S, %	60 ± 2
Na2SO3, %	< 2
Na2CO3, %	< 0.5
Fe, ppm	< 10
Insoluble Content, %	< 12
Density, g/ cmᵌ	1600
Melting Point, ℃	92

 

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