What is sodium perborate?
Sodium perborate usually exists in two forms, tetrahydrated and monohydrated. Sodium perborate tetrahydrate is obtained by addition of hydrogen peroxide to a sodium metaborate solution at a temperature close to 20.degree. C. Sodium perborate monohydrate is produced by dehydrating sodium perborate tetrahydrate in a fluid bed with heated air. Sodium perborate releases nascent oxygen at elevated temperatures, and so acts as a hydrogen peroxide bleach. The monohydrated form is essentially showing three advantages in comparison with the tetrahydrated form: a higher content of available oxygen, a higher heat stability and a higher dissolution rate into water. Sodium perborate has been in detergent and personal care formulations for many years. Its oxidative power improves the cleaning, bleaching, stain removal and deodorizing performance of powder detergent formulations, all fabric dry bleachs, denture cleaners, automatic dishwasher detergents and various institutional and industrial laundry
