SODIUM BENZOATE AND SODIUM ADIPATE COMPARISON AS NUCLEATING AGENTS

Here’s a comparison

Sodium BenzoateSodium Adipate
CAS No 532-32-1CAS No 124-04-9
Molecular Formula C₇H₅NaO₂Molecular Formula C₈H₁₀Na₂O₄
Molecular Weight 144.11 g/molMolecular Weight 174.15 g/mol
Melting Range / Point 300-310°C (572-590°F)Melting Range / Point 180-185°C (356-365°F)
Appearance white crystalline powderAppearance white crystalline powder
Chemical Nature Sodium benzoate is a sodium salt of benzoic acid.Chemical Nature Sodium adipate is the sodium salt of adipic acid, a dicarboxylic acid.
It’s a small, aromatic molecule.It has a larger, aliphatic structure compared to sodium benzoate.
Nucleating Efficiency Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a nucleating agent in various polymers, including polypropylene and polyethylene. It promotes nucleation by creating sites where crystals can form, which helps in controlling the crystallization rate and improving the clarity of the final product.Nucleating Efficiency Sodium adipate is used as a nucleating agent in polymers like polypropylene. It tends to create a more regular crystal structure, which can lead to improvements in mechanical properties and processing.
Effectiveness  It is particularly effective in improving the crystallization behaviour of polymers, leading to enhanced clarity and mechanical properties.Effectiveness  Sodium adipate can be effective in promoting nucleation and enhancing the crystallization of polymers, leading to improved stiffness and dimensional stability.
Applications Used in food preservation, cosmetics, and plastics. In plastics, it is used to improve the appearance and processing of materials.Applications Used primarily in polymers and as a food additive.  
Advantages Effective at relatively low concentrations. Improves transparency and reduces haze in the final polymer.Advantages     Can improve the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of polymers.     Sometimes preferred in specific applications where the large, aliphatic structure is beneficial.
Limitations     May not be as effective in some highperformance polymer applications compared to more specialized nucleating agentsLimitations May require higher concentrations compared to sodium benzoate.     The impact on transparency and other properties may vary depending on the polymer and application.
Sodium Benzoate is generally favoured for its effectiveness in improving clarity and reducing haze in polymers, and it is often used in smaller quantities.Sodium Adipate may be chosen for its ability to enhance mechanical properties and processing characteristics, though it might need to be used in higher amounts and its impact on transparency can vary.

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