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Caustic Soda

Caustic Soda also known as lye and sodium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. It is highly soluble in water, and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. Caustic Soda is used mainly in cleaning products for both industrial and household uses. Also can be used to adjust pH in various manufacturing processes. Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries: in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents, and as a drain cleaner. Sodium Hydroxide is available in solid form (flakes, prills, briquettes) as well as liquid form in various concentrations.

Synonyms
Sodium Hydroxide, Lye, Ascarite, White caustic, Sodium hydrate, NaOH, Natronlut, Ätznatron
Chemical Formula
NAOH
CAS Number
1310-73-2

Characteristics

Molar Weight
39.9971 g/mol1
Melting Point
318 °C
Boiling Point
1,388 °C
Density
2.12 g/cc
Forms
Liquid, Solid

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Water treatment
  • Cleaning products
  • Oilseed extraction
  • Oil and Gas
  • Pulp and paper
  • Textile handling
  • Household industrial
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Bleaching agent

Industries

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Properties of caustic soda

Caustic soda is an inorganic compound. It is chemically produced from a sodium atom (Na), an oxygen atom (O) and a hydrogen atom (H), resulting in its name NaOH. The white solid is one of the strongest bases available and can be used to neutralize acids such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. Dissolved in water, caustic soda forms caustic soda. Since caustic soda binds with carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate when exposed to air, it is stored in airtight containers. In addition to carbon dioxide, it absorbs moisture from the air. It is available as a solid in the form of flakes, granules or briquettes, or in liquid form in various concentrations. Caustic soda is odorless.
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Caustic soda for household use

One of the uses for caustic soda is for household purposes. Combined with aluminium chips in its solid form, it is used as a drain cleaner: when dissolved in water, the strong base caustic soda oxidizes the aluminium and dissolves fats and proteins through saponification.
In addition, pots that are not made of aluminium can be cleaned with caustic soda when used as a hot solution. It dissolves layers of burnt cooking remnants.
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Caustic soda in the cosmetics industry

Caustic soda is also used in the cosmetics industry. Caustic soda turns into caustic soda when dissolved in water. This action regulates and stabilizes the pH value of cosmetic products. Caustic soda is also used in the production of curd soap.
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Caustic soda in the manufacturing industry

Caustic soda is also used in the manufacturing industry. For manufacturing processes, caustic soda is considered as one of the most important chemicals and is mainly used for pH regulation.
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Caustic soda and medical applications

In the medical sector, caustic soda is used in anaesthetic equipment. Together with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), it binds the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is exhaled, the so-called "respiratory calcium", ensuring the level of carbon dioxide in the inhaled air does not become too high. The same principle applies to the use of caustic soda in aerospace and diving equipment.

Other applications of caustic soda

Caustic soda is also used in the production of detergents and bleaches, paper, textiles, food, pet food and drinking water. It is also used to extract oilseeds, which are required for the production of oil (both for human and animal consumption) and biofuels. Other applications include mining, the production of rubber, caoutchouc, lubricants, glass and ceramics, paints and fuel cells. It is also useful in oil and gas processing, coatings and construction.