Rubber & PlasticIn Stock

Sodium Bicarbonate

Name: Zenco Systems Ltd - Chemical Division
Address: Industrial Area, Enterprise Road, KCB Building, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254114591982
Price range: KES

Sodium bicarbonate is a versatile white powder used in baking, cleaning, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals across East Africa.

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, belongs to the alkaline salts family of inorganic chemicals.

WhatsApp Request Quote Contact Sales

+254114591982 Email Sales

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Sodium Bicarbonate?

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, belongs to the alkaline salts family of inorganic chemicals. It appears as a white crystalline powder with mild alkalinity and is widely valued for its multifunctional industrial and commercial uses. In East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, sodium bicarbonate serves critical roles across sectors such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and cleaning. It acts as a leavening agent in baking by releasing carbon dioxide when heated, which creates volume and texture in dough. Beyond food, its buffering capacity controls pH in pharmaceutical formulations and neutralizes acidic conditions in water treatment processes. Due to its mild abrasive and deodorizing qualities, sodium bicarbonate is also a key ingredient in detergents and household cleaning agents. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies sodium bicarbonate reliably throughout East Africa, supporting industries that depend on its consistent quality and timely delivery. Understanding its chemical behavior and suitable applications helps buyers and formulators optimize usage and achieve cost-efficient, effective results.

Sodium Bicarbonate: Detailed Product Overview

Chemically defined by the formula NaHCO₃ and registered under CAS number 144-55-8, sodium bicarbonate is a mildly alkaline salt consisting of sodium (Na⁺), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and water-soluble ions. Its white crystalline powder form dissolves readily in water, producing a slightly basic solution with a typical pH around 8.3. This solubility and mild alkalinity enable its broad application in processes requiring pH control, acid neutralization, and gentle chemical reactivity.

When heated or combined with acids, sodium bicarbonate decomposes by releasing carbon dioxide gas. This property is exploited as a leavening agent in baking, where CO₂ causes dough to expand and become porous. The buffering action stabilizes pH in pharmaceutical suspensions and effervescent medications, protecting active ingredients and ensuring consistent effectiveness.

Unlike stronger alkalis, sodium bicarbonate’s gentle action allows it to serve as a pH adjuster in water treatment without introducing harsh chemicals. It neutralizes acidic contaminants and maintains balanced alkalinity, which is critical in industrial water systems and wastewater treatment.

Physical properties such as a fine particle size and low bulk density make it easy to handle and mix uniformly with other ingredients. Its non-toxic nature and moderate reactivity make it suitable for consumer-facing products like household cleaners and personal care items. Performance depends on proper storage and correct dosing to avoid clumping and loss of reactive capability.

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies sodium bicarbonate in commercial quantities adapted for East African markets, assuring consistent chemical composition and packaging options aligned with industrial needs. Buyers should confirm purity and grade with suppliers to ensure compatibility with sensitive formulations, especially in food and pharmaceutical sectors. Overall, sodium bicarbonate’s chemical versatility and safe handling profile underpin its strategic importance in the rubber and plastic sectors and beyond.

Applications and Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate

Food Processing

In food manufacturing, sodium bicarbonate functions primarily as a leavening agent. When incorporated into dough or batter and subjected to heat, it releases carbon dioxide gas that creates air pockets, causing the mixture to rise and develop a desirable texture. Its mildly alkaline nature also helps neutralize acidity from other ingredients, balancing flavor and improving shelf life. Typical dosages range from 0.5% to 2% of the total batter weight, depending on the product. Food-grade quality sodium bicarbonate must meet strict purity and contaminant limits to ensure safety and compliance.

Water Treatment

Sodium bicarbonate plays a crucial role in industrial water treatment as a buffering agent and pH adjuster. It neutralizes acidic waters by reacting with dissolved acids, thereby preventing corrosion in pipelines and equipment. It also helps stabilize pH to maintain optimal conditions for biological treatment processes in wastewater plants. Dosing is carefully controlled, often between 10 and 200 mg/L, depending on water acidity levels and treatment goals. Its mild alkalinity avoids overcorrection seen with stronger bases.

Pharmaceutical Buffering

In pharmaceutical applications, sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffering agent in oral and topical formulations. It maintains pH stability, protecting active compounds from degradation and controlling drug release profiles. Its use in effervescent tablets leverages its CO₂ release upon acid reaction to enhance dissolution and palatability. Pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate must comply with pharmacopeia standards, ensuring low heavy metal content and absence of impurities that could interfere with drug efficacy.

Detergent Formulation

Sodium bicarbonate’s mild abrasive and deodorizing properties make it a valued ingredient in cleaning detergents and powders. It helps remove stains, neutralize odors, and soften water by chelating calcium ions, which improves detergent efficiency. Its moderate alkalinity assists in breaking down organic matter without damaging fabrics. Usage levels typically range between 5% and 15% by weight in detergent blends.

Cleaning Agent

Beyond detergents, sodium bicarbonate is used as a standalone cleaning agent for surfaces in industrial and hospitality settings. Its fine powder form gently scrubs away grime and grease without scratching, while its alkaline nature neutralizes acidic residues. It is commonly applied in kitchens, food processing plants, and hospitals where non-toxic, residue-free cleaning is required. Application often involves dilution in water to create cleaning pastes or sprays.

Mining pH Control

In mining operations, sodium bicarbonate helps control pH levels in process waters and tailings to prevent acid mine drainage and reduce environmental impact. It reacts with acidic compounds generated by mineral oxidation, stabilizing pH within acceptable ranges and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Depending on site conditions, dosing can vary widely, and material compatibility must be considered to avoid unwanted byproducts.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Rubber & Plastic range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Versatile Chemical Reactivity

Sodium bicarbonate’s ability to act as a mild alkali, a neutralizing agent, and a gas-releasing compound provides broad utility across industries. This versatility reduces the need to stock multiple chemicals, simplifying procurement and inventory management. Its balanced reactivity enhances formulation stability without corrosive side effects common with stronger bases.

Safe Handling and Environmental Profile

Unlike many industrial chemicals, sodium bicarbonate is non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally benign. This safety profile permits easier storage and handling, reducing protective equipment requirements and lowering workplace risk. Its safe disposal and biodegradability minimize environmental liabilities for manufacturers and users.

Cost-Effective pH Control

Sodium bicarbonate offers a reliable and economical solution for pH regulation and acid neutralization. Its moderate alkalinity allows precise control without overshoot, preventing damage to equipment and formulations. Bulk availability from Zenco Systems Ltd in East Africa ensures consistent supplies at competitive prices, benefiting industrial operations with predictable costs.

Compatibility with Sensitive Applications

Pharmaceutical and food industries require chemicals free of heavy metals, toxic contaminants, and off-odors. Sodium bicarbonate’s inert nature and easy water solubility make it compatible with delicate formulations. Confirming analytical specifications through suppliers ensures it meets these strict criteria without compromising product safety.

Packaging Information

Sodium bicarbonate from Zenco Systems Ltd is available in packaging formats suited to a range of industrial needs in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring East African countries. Standard commercial packaging includes 25 kg and 50 kg woven polypropylene bags with liners to protect against moisture ingress. For larger scale users, 200L drums provide bulk handling convenience. Packaging is designed for ease of transport and long shelf life during cross-border distribution. Custom packaging or volume-specific requirements can be discussed directly with Zenco Systems Ltd’s procurement team.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Storage and Handling

Store sodium bicarbonate in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of moisture and strong acids. The powder is hygroscopic and will cake or lose efficacy if exposed to humidity. Use containers compatible with mild alkali materials, typically plastic-lined bags or drums. Avoid contamination with equipment lubricants, oils, or other chemicals. Shelf life under proper storage ranges from 12 to 24 months. During handling, minimize dust generation and use appropriate local exhaust ventilation when processing large quantities to reduce inhalation risk.

Safety Information

Sodium bicarbonate is generally regarded as safe but can cause mild irritation if inhaled as dust. Recommended personal protective equipment includes dust masks, safety goggles, and gloves when handling powder in industrial settings. In case of skin contact, washing with water is sufficient. Avoid creating airborne dust to prevent respiratory discomfort. Ingestion of large amounts may disrupt acid-base balance. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for detailed hazard, first aid, and disposal instructions to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

DensityApproximately 2.2 g/cm³ (bulk)

FormulaNaHCO₃

Packaging25 kg bags, 50 kg bags, 200L drums

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number144-55-8

SolubilitySoluble in water (96 g/L at 20°C)

Chemical NameSodium Bicarbonate

Storage ConditionsCool, dry, away from moisture

pH (1% aqueous solution)Approximately 8.3

Applications

Food processing
Water treatment
Pharmaceutical buffering
Detergent formulation
Cleaning agent
Mining pH control

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

DensityApproximately 2.2 g/cm³ (bulk)

FormulaNaHCO₃

Packaging25 kg bags, 50 kg bags, 200L drums

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number144-55-8

SolubilitySoluble in water (96 g/L at 20°C)

Chemical NameSodium Bicarbonate

Storage ConditionsCool, dry, away from moisture

pH (1% aqueous solution)Approximately 8.3

Product Features

- White crystalline powder
- Mildly alkaline pH ~8.3
- Highly water-soluble
- Releases CO2 on heating or acid contact
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Easily handled and stored

Industries Served

- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical Formulation
- Water Treatment and Utilities
- Cleaning and Detergent Production
- Mining and Mineral Processing
- Rubber and Plastic Additives

Product Overview

Activated Carbon Powder In Kenya Uganda Tanzania Calcium Zinc Pvc Stabilizer In Kenya Uganda Tanzania Carbon Black In Kenya Uganda Tanzania Pvc Resin In Kenya Uganda Pvc Stabilizer In Kenya Uganda Tanzania Rubber Plastic

Frequently Asked Questions About Sodium Bicarbonate

What is sodium bicarbonate commonly used for in industry?

Sodium bicarbonate is used mainly as a leavening agent in food processing, a buffering agent in pharmaceuticals, a pH adjuster in water treatment, and as an ingredient in detergents and cleaning products.

Can Zenco Systems Ltd supply sodium bicarbonate outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies sodium bicarbonate throughout East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and neighboring countries, ensuring reliable cross-border delivery.

What packaging sizes are available for sodium bicarbonate?

Sodium bicarbonate is available in 25 kg and 50 kg bags as well as 200L drums, suited to different scales of industrial use and ease of handling across East Africa.

Is sodium bicarbonate safe to handle without special equipment?

While generally safe, handling sodium bicarbonate powder requires minimizing dust inhalation by using dust masks and goggles in industrial settings, as it can cause mild respiratory irritation.

What purity grades of sodium bicarbonate are offered by Zenco Systems Ltd?

Purity and grade vary depending on application; buyers should confirm specifications directly with Zenco Systems Ltd to ensure the product meets food, pharmaceutical, or industrial standards.

How should sodium bicarbonate be stored to maintain quality?

It should be stored in cool, dry conditions away from moisture and acids to prevent caking and loss of efficacy, typically in sealed bags or drums with good ventilation.

Can sodium bicarbonate be used in rubber and plastic applications?

Yes, sodium bicarbonate serves as a multifunctional additive in rubber and plastics for pH control and as a non-toxic processing aid.