Zeolite Determination in Detergent: Tests that Improve Product Quality

Is the Presence of Zeolite in Detergent Harmful?

What is Zeolite?

Zeolites are minerals known as hydrous alumino silicates. Natural zeolites are a group of more than 40 minerals. Commonly known are faujasite, stilbite, shabazite, ferrierite, analsim...

Apart from natural zeolites, synthetic zeolites, which are more efficient and cost-effective, are used in the detergent and chemical industry today. Artificial zeolites are not equivalent to natural zeolites. There are approximately 200 types.

Zeolites, which are not currently produced in Turkey, are used in many sectors such as organic agriculture, detergent industry, livestock breeding and cleaning of industrial wastes.

Zeolite, which has been used in detergents since 1976, is called Zeolite A, Zeolite NaA or Zeolite 4A. Zeolites are generally used as a substitute for phosphates in the detergent industry.

What are the benefits or harms of zeolites used instead of phosphates in detergents?

Zeolites act as ion exchange in detergents by replacing water hardness ions with sodium ions. The environmental damage caused by detergents has long been known and discussed. Considering their harm to the environment

When it is taken into consideration, solutions are sought for detergents. Synthetic zeolites have started to be used in the detergent sector due to their functionality and ecological properties.

In various studies, it has been determined that zeolites do not harm aquatic organisms like other chemicals and do not have negative effects on the development of algae. Therefore, the use of zeolite instead of phosphate has reduced the risk to aquatic organisms such as phytoplankton, zooplankton or fish when detergents are mixed with water.

While phosphate-based detergents cause sediment formation in sewage systems over time, no sediment formation is observed in the use of zeolite. Studies on living organisms have shown no toxic effect or irritation potential.

Considering the benefits of zeolites, it is more advantageous and environmentally beneficial to use instead of phosphate.

How to Determine Zeolite in Detergent?

Zeolite determination is usually done using chemical analysis methods. This test helps to determine the amount of zeolite contained in the detergent. Commonly used test methods are as follows:

1. Gravimetric Method: One of the simplest ways to determine the amount of zeolite is the gravimetric method. In this method, the sample is first heated at high temperature and then, after the mineral content is dissolved with a specific solvent, the amount of zeolite is weighed. This test is effective in determining the physical properties of zeolite.
2. X-ray Crystallography (XRD): X-ray crystallography is a method of analyzing the crystal structure of zeolites. This technique is a highly sensitive method for determining the type and amount of zeolite. XRD is widely used to determine the compositions of zeolite in detergents.
3. Ion Exchange Tests: The main property of zeolites is their ion exchange capacity. Therefore, ion exchange tests can be performed to test the performance of the detergent in relation to water hardness. Since zeolite binds ions that cause water hardness, these tests can be effective in determining the zeolite content.
4. Spectroscopic Methods: Spectroscopic analysis is another method that can be used to determine zeolite content. These tests can be performed by techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and measure the concentration of zeolite.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Zeolite Determination in Detergent. We also provide services in Heavy Metal Testing.

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