Gluconic acid and sodium gluconate: use in industry

Gluconic acid is formed during the oxidation of the aldehyde group of monosaccharides (glucose). The acid represented in the reaction with alkali metals forms salts of carboxylic acids - gluconates. Gluconic acid is an indispensable component of cosmetic products, which are used for peeling. This component easily overcomes the skin barrier, penetrates the skin and does not cause side effects. That's why gluconic acid - an indispensable tool for the care of hypersensitive and aging skin. Peeling with acid increases the elasticity of the skin, improves the oval face, reduces the severity of wrinkles, restores the barrier functions of the skin. It should be noted that this acid is also used as an acidulant, a synergist of antioxidants, an acidity regulator.

Sodium gluconate (formula C6H11O7Na) is a complexing agent for metal ions (calcium, iron, aluminum, manganese) in industrial alkaline detergent solutions. This component is used in liquid formulations in combination with other ingredients such as phosphorus and sodium silicate, surfactants and sodium hydroxide. Gluconic acid (sodium gluconate) when added to solutions interacts with calcium, forming chelate compounds. Surfactants are generally more effective in demineralized or soft water. Since the very process of demineralization is very expensive, the more advantageous solution is the addition of sodium gluconate detergents in the formulation. The action of sodium hydroxide is complemented by silicates, they increase the alkalinity of the solution and prevent corrosion of the metal. Glukonat sodium - the best complexing agent for creating alkaline mixtures. It is used in the formulations of detergents for bottles. This is due to the high resistance to hydrolysis and biodegradability.

Gluconic acid is added to solutions for washing glassware. As a rule, the composition of the formulation depends on the size of the deposits and the hardness of the water. Sodium gluconate is added to the concrete mixes. It is established that when adding this component, the setting process of concrete slows down, its plasticity improves. Sodium gluconate is readily adsorbed on the surface of cement particles, it interferes with contact with water when it interacts with water, as a result of which the setting process of concrete slows down. When this substance interacts with calcium ions, an insoluble calcium gluconate complex forms on the surface of the cement particles. As a result of this synergy, the hydration process slows down, which leads to an increase in the curing time. The formation of long microcrystalline fibers contributes to an increase in the mechanical strength of cement mortars.

Thanks to the use of complexing substances, calcium ions are isolated, which, in turn, prevents the formation of crystals. Due to the use of sodium gluconate, the dispersion of cement particles in the mixture is improved, and wetting is improved. These processes can reduce the concentration of water. It is proved that the presence of long microcrystalline fibers significantly increases the strength of concrete after 28 days. The use of complexing agents reduces the concentration of water in the mixtures, which positively affects the strength, hardening and plasticity of the concrete.

In the metallurgical industry, C6H11O7Na is used as a chelating agent that binds metal ions, preventing the deposition of aluminum hydroxide on the surfaces. When etching the steel, the present bio-compound prevents the deposition of metal salts from deposition on sheets or in baths. This greatly improves the state of the surface of the metal.