The Various Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)

Applications:

1. Industrial Sector (Export Dominant)

   - Detergent Raw Materials: Used in laundry detergents and as a soap enhancer (improves cleaning power and water softening); as a metal cleaning agent (effective in removing oil and rust).

   - Leather Processing: Acts as a pH regulator during tanning, neutralizes acidity, and enhances the softness and luster of leather.

   - Water Treatment: Neutralizes acidic wastewater, stabilizes circulating water (preventing corrosion), and removes heavy metal ions.

   - Firefighting: A core component in ABC dry powder fire extinguishers (comprising 30%-50% of the content), it decomposes to CO₂ for extinguishing purposes.

   - Rubber & Plastics: Serves as a vulcanization accelerator for rubber and a foaming agent for producing lightweight plastics.

2. Food Industry (High Value-Added)

   - Leavening Agent: Used in the production of bread, cakes, and steamed buns (producing CO₂ for expansion).

   - pH Regulator: Adjusts the pH of carbonated drinks and fruit juices (enhancing flavor); neutralizes acidity in pickled foods (extending shelf life).

   - Processing Aid: Cleans fruits and vegetables (removing pesticide residues), serves as a pH regulator for dairy products, and improves the texture of chocolate.

3. Medical & Cosmetics (Premium Applications)

   - Medical Use: Functions as oral antacids (relieving heartburn); as a topical wound cleanser; and as a pH regulator for injectables.

   - Cosmetics: Acts as an additive in whitening toothpaste (reducing plaque); in bath salts and scrub creams (providing exfoliation); and as a pH regulator for facial cleansers.

4. Agriculture & Feed (Stable Demand)

   - Feed Additive: Regulates gut pH (enhancing digestion); improves milk yield and fat content in dairy cows; alleviates heat stress.

   - Crop Protection: Serves as a foliar fertilizer (for pH adjustment and to prevent yellowing); as a fungicide (combating powdery mildew); and promotes photosynthesis.

5. Other Laboratory Applications:

   - Acid-base titration reagents, pH meter calibration, organic synthesis regulators.

Environmental Protection Applications:

   - Flue gas desulfurization (SO₂ absorption), chromium-containing wastewater treatment, waste incineration exhaust gas purification.