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Carpet Deodorizer Under the Microscope

Carpet Deodorizer

Transmitted Circular Polarized Light

Definition/Function:

Most carpet deodorizers are basically sodium bicarbonate (baking Soda, NaHCO3) with an added scent. Sodium bicarbonate is the active deodorant. The scent is added to mask the odor until the sodium bicarbonate has done its job. The scent can cause health problems for sensitive individuals.

Significance in the Environment:

Characteristic Features:

Sodium bicarbonate belongs to the monoclinic crystal system with refractive indices of 1.586, 1.500, and 1.380 and a birefringence of 0.206. It is colorless and tends to form as prisms or 010 (optic plane) tablets.

Associated Particles:

References: