Sodium Hydroxide , CAUSTIC SODA

Description

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye and caustic soda, is a caustic metallic base. It is used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps, detergents, drain cleaner and in the refining of vegetable oils.

Caustic soda or lye is known chemically as sodium hydroxide. It is called caustic soda because of its burning or caustic effect on the skin. It is one of the basic raw materials of the great alkali industry which, in itself, is one of the most important parts of the chemical industry.

1) Removal and solution of waste in plumbing. As a household lye, caustic soda is poured down clogged drains where it liquefies or dissolves waste fat and grease, making them soluble in water.
2) Petroleum purification. Caustic soda is used to neutralize the sulphuric acid employed in purifying petroleum.
3) Manufacture of mercerized cotton. Cotton cloth when treated under tension in a solution of caustic soda becomes stronger and more lustrous. Cotton treated in this manner is known as mercerized cotton.
4) Reclaiming rubber, etching and electroplating.

Caustic soda flakesis used in organic synthesis processes, petroleum products refining, textile industry in production of viscose silk and in bleaching fabrics, in paper and aniline industry, soap making, production of aluminum and sodium metal, soluble glass, alkaline accumulators.