Sodium Metaantimonate
Versatile Antimony-Based Additive for Glass, Ceramics, and Catalysis
Sodium Meta-Antimonate is a high-purity, white crystalline powder used primarily in glass clarification, ceramic glaze opacification, and industrial catalysis. It offers high thermal and chemical stability, and excellent dispersion in molten glass and enamel systems.
Product Overview
Sodium Meta-Antimonate (NaSbO₃·xH₂O) is an inorganic antimony compound widely used as a clarifying and whitening agent in glass and ceramic production. It effectively removes microbubbles and color impurities during high-temperature melting processes.
With its stable oxidation state and high Sb content, Sodium Meta-Antimonate is also utilized in catalytic applications and specialty flame-retardant systems.
Key Features
High Antimony Content enables strong clarification and whiteness effects.
Excellent Thermal Stability up to 600°C.
Low Impurity Level suitable for precision glass and ceramic applications.
Broad Compatibility with silicates, borosilicates, and enamels.
Environmentally Safer alternative to lead-based whiteners.
Applications
Solar & Optical Glass
Functions as a clarifying agent to remove gas bubbles and enhance light transmittance.
Ceramics & Enamels
Acts as a white opacifier, creating uniform brightness and surface finish in porcelain and glaze.
Glass Wool and Fiberglass
Supports glass fiber clarity and stability in insulation applications.
Catalysis
Used in heterogeneous catalysts due to stable antimony oxidation state.
Solar & Optical Glass
Functions as a clarifying agent to remove gas bubbles and enhance light transmittance.
Ceramics & Enamels
Acts as a white opacifier, creating uniform brightness and surface finish in porcelain and glaze.
Glass Wool and Fiberglass
Supports glass fiber clarity and stability in insulation applications.
Catalysis
Used in heterogeneous catalysts due to stable antimony oxidation state.
Parameter indicators
Sodium Pyroantimonate / Sodium Metaantimonate refer to the same antimonate salt family used in industrial glass fining, flame retardancy and ceramic opacification. The hydration state differs but specifications below apply to both naming conventions.
Technical Data
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chinese Names | 偏锑酸钠 / 锑酸钠 / 焦锑酸钠 |
| English Names | Sodium Antimonate / Sodium Pyroantimonate / Sodium Metaantimonate |
| CAS No. | 15432-85-6 (also 12507-68-5 hexahydrate / 12312-89-1 metaantimonate naming) |
| Chemical Formula | NaSbO₃ / NaSb(OH)₆ / Na₂H₂Sb₂O₇·xH₂O |
| Appearance | White or off-white fine crystalline powder or granules |
| Thermal Stability | Stable up to 1000 ℃ without decomposition |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, acetic acid, dilute alkali and dilute mineral acids; soluble in tartaric acid, sodium sulfide solution and concentrated sulfuric acid; hydrolyzes in hot water to form a colloid |
| Hazard Classification | Inorganic antimony compound — handle with PPE per OSHA / REACH SDS |
Quality Specifications (Typical)
| Item | Industrial Grade | High-Purity Grade | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sb₂O₅ content (%) | ≥ 75.0 | ≥ 76.5 | GB/T 4062 / titration |
| Na₂O content (%) | 14.5 – 16.5 | 14.5 – 16.5 | AAS |
| As (ppm) | ≤ 50 | ≤ 30 | AAS / ICP-OES |
| Pb (ppm) | ≤ 50 | ≤ 30 | AAS / ICP-OES |
| Fe (ppm) | ≤ 80 | ≤ 40 | AAS |
| Loss on ignition at 800 ℃ (%) | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.0 | Gravimetric |
| Particle size, D50 | 1 – 3 μm | 1 – 3 μm | Laser diffraction |
Manufacturing Process
Production proceeds via the wet hydrogen-peroxide oxidation route: Sb₂O₃ + 2 NaOH + 2 H₂O₂ → 2 NaSbO₃ + 3 H₂O. The process delivers high product purity with minimised arsenic / lead carry-over, low effluent burden, and competitive unit cost. Nitric-acid oxidation, chlorination-neutralization and ozone-alkaline routes are also available for special-grade requirements.
Clarification Mechanism (Glass Industry)
At glass-melting temperatures (≥1100 ℃) sodium antimonate decomposes and releases molecular O₂. The rising bubbles agglomerate and carry away micro-bubbles trapped in the melt, achieving clarification. Simultaneously residual Fe²⁺ is oxidised to Fe³⁺ — Fe³⁺ absorbs at the UV edge rather than in the visible range, decolouring the glass and improving optical clarity. As an As-free fining agent it complies with REACH SVHC restrictions on arsenic compounds.
Packaging specifications
Packaging Options:
25 kg PE-lined kraft bags
500 kg and 1000 kg jumbo bags
Storage:
Store in dry conditions. Keep sealed after use to avoid moisture pickup.
FAQs for Sodium Metaantimonate
1. Is Sodium Meta-Antimonate the same as Sodium Pyroantimonate?
No, they are structurally different. Meta-antimonate has a different crystalline structure and solubility.
2. Can it be used in glass fiber production?
Yes. It is compatible with most glass fiber formulations.
3. What purity grades are available?
Standard grade is ≥98.5% Sb₂O₃. Higher purity available upon request.
4. Is this product hazardous?
It is classified as non-hazardous under international transport standards.
5. Do you offer samples?
Yes. Free 100–500g samples are available for qualified industrial users.
What is the difference between Sodium Metaantimonate and Sodium Pyroantimonate?
They are the same antimonate salt family. The two names historically refer to slightly different hydration states (meta = NaSbO₃, pyro = Na₂H₂Sb₂O₇·xH₂O), but in industrial use the materials are functionally interchangeable. We supply both designations from the same production process.
Can your product replace arsenic-based fining agents in optical glass?
Yes. Sodium metaantimonate is one of the most widely accepted arsenic-free alternatives for fining display, optical and ultra-clear glass, and complies with REACH SVHC restrictions on arsenic compounds.
What particle size distribution should I order?
Default D50 is 1–3 μm. For specialty optical fining we offer narrower distributions (D50 1.5–2.0 μm) and for ceramic opacifier applications a coarser cut is available on request.
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