4A zeolite, also known as 4A molecular sieve, is a white solid granular substance with a network structure containing uniform small pores. It has a pore size of 0.42nm, a specific surface area of approximately 600m²/g, and is insoluble in water and organic solvents but can dissolve in strong alkalis and acids. When heated above 800°C, it recrystallizes to form a cristobalite-like structure. It has the ability to adsorb moisture, liquids, gases, and unsaturated organic substances, and also has an exchange capacity for calcium ions, with a theoretical exchange capacity of 352CaCO₃mg/g, generally ranging from 290 to 320mgCaCO₃/g. It has a whiteness of ≥95%, a pH value of 10-11.5, an apparent density of 0.3-0.5g/cm³, an average particle size of 2μm, and a particle size distribution where ≤4μm accounts for more than 85%.

Applications and Advantages in Detergents

• As a detergent builder: 4A Zeolite for Detergents can enhance the detergency of the washing solution, and has the advantages of anti-hard water, anti-pollution, and low foam. It is an ideal phosphorus-free builder to replace sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP).
• Improving product performance: It has a high liquid carrying capacity and excellent compounding performance with surfactants. Its adsorption of non-ionic surfactants is 3 times that of NTA (nitrilotriacetate) and sodium carbonate. And 5 times that of STPP and sodium sulfate. This property allows more surfactants to be incorporated in the production of highly concentrated detergents through agglomeration molding. This increases material fluidity, adjusts viscosity, facilitates the molding of solid detergents. And produces products with good appearance, fluidity, and anti-caking ability.
• Wide range of applications: It can be used in ultra-concentrated detergents and agglomeration granulation processes. And is also widely used in transparent soap, whitening soap and other washing products.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of 4A Zeolite for Detergents

• Environmental protection: As a phosphorus-free detergent builder. 4A zeolite can reduce the pollution of phosphorus-containing detergents to water bodies and protect the ecological environment.
• Resource recycling: It can be recycled, reducing production costs and reducing the exploitation of natural resources, thus promoting resource recycling.