Description
Introduction
Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | Caustic Soda Flakes | Soda Lye, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an extremely versatile inorganic compound widely utilized in various industrial and commercial applications. As a potent alkaline chemical with a high pH value, it is produced through the electrolysis of sodium chloride in a process known as the chloralkali process. These white solid flakes possess strong basic or alkaline properties, opposite to acidity, with a pH of 13. Due to these attributes, sodium hydroxide finds extensive use in soap and cleaner production. It can be found in a wide range of products such as bath and cleaning goods, fragrances, foot powders, hair dyes and colors, cosmetics, nail products, personal hygiene items, shampoos, shaving products, depilatories, and skincare formulations.
IUPAC Name :
Sodium Hydroxide
INCI Chemical Name :
Sodium Hydroxide
Other Names :
Sodium Hydroxide NaOH, Caustic Soda Flakes, Ascarite, Soda lye, Sodium hydrate, White caustic
Formula :
NaOH
CAS No:
1310-73-2
E Number:
E524
Derived from :
Sodium Chloride through electrolysis
Solubility :
It is highly soluble in water, with a lower solubility in polar solvents such as ethanol and methanol.
Uses
Our Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | Caustic Soda Flakes | Soda Lye serves numerous essential roles in various industries including Home Care, Personal Care, Food, Cosmetics etc. some of them are as follows:-
Cleaning Products,
Neutralization of LABSA: The neutralization of LABSA with sodium hydroxide is a critical step in detergent manufacturing. It transforms LABSA into an effective surfactant with improved properties, making it an essential ingredient in many cleaning products used in households, industries, and commercial settings.
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) work together in a process called neutralization to produce the final cleaning agent. LABSA, being acidic, is neutralized by sodium hydroxide, a strong base, resulting in the formation of highly effective surfactant. This neutralization enhances the surfactant’s solubility, stability, and cleaning efficiency, making it an essential ingredient in various cleaning products like detergents, household cleaners, and industrial cleaners. The resulting detergent is mildly alkaline, which contributes to its effective stain removal and cleaning capabilities. Proper safety precautions are necessary during the neutralization process due to the caustic nature of both chemicals.
Commercial Heavy-Duty Cleaner: Sodium Hydroxide is used in heavy-duty cleaning products, such as degreasers and oven cleaners, due to its alkaline nature, which helps break down tough grease and grime.
Laundry Booster: As a laundry booster, Caustic Soda enhances the cleaning power of detergents by softening water and removing mineral deposits, leading to cleaner and brighter clothes.
Cleaning Booster: When added to cleaning solutions, Caustic Soda enhances the cleaning power, helping to tackle tough stains and dirt.
Commercial Surface Cleaner: In household surface cleaners, Caustic Soda effectively removes burnt stains and dirt from various surfaces.
pH Adjuster: The neutralization process with sodium hydroxide also helps adjust the pH level of the final product. The resulting detergent is typically mildly alkaline, which aids in effective cleaning and stain removal.
Household Cleaning: Sodium Carbonate is used as a powerful cleaner for surfaces, removing tough stains, grease, and dirt.
Stain Remover: Sodium Carbonate is used as a pre-soak or spot treatment to help remove stubborn stains from fabrics.
Detergent Manufacturing: Neutralized LABSA with sodium hydroxide is a fundamental component in the production of liquid and powder detergents. It is used in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, household cleaners, and a variety of industrial cleaning products.
Fooding Industry,
Food Additive: Sodium Hydroxide is used to treat certain food products, such as olives, to reduce bitterness or enhance their texture. It is utilized in some traditional baking processes to create pretzels and bagels with a characteristic brown crust.
Industrial Applications,
Pulp and Paper Industry: It is utilized in the pulping and bleaching processes to break down lignin and separate cellulose fibers in paper production.
Chemical Synthesis: Sodium Hydroxide is a common reagent in various chemical reactions for the synthesis of a wide range of products.
Aluminum Production: Sodium Hydroxide is used to dissolve aluminum oxide from bauxite ore during the Bayer process, an essential step in aluminum production.
pH Adjustment: Sodium Hydroxide is employed to adjust the pH levels in water and wastewater treatment processes, ensuring optimal treatment efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products,
Soap Making: Sodium Hydroxide is a critical component in the saponification process, converting fats and oils into soap.
pH Adjustment: It is used to adjust the pH levels in some personal care products and cosmetics.
Cosmetics: Used as a component in cosmetic science experiments or DIY formulations. It is incorporated for its alkalinity, pH adjustment properties, or as a basic ingredient for experimenting with formulation recipes.
Water Treatment:
As sodium hydroxide is used for pH adjustment in water treatment. Sometimes, alum and sodium hydroxide might be used together in water treatment to achieve both coagulation and pH adjustment simultaneously, especially in cases where there are specific challenges with water quality.
Medical Industry:
pH Adjustment in Laboratory Settings: In medical laboratories, sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of solutions and reagents for various tests and experiments.
Tissue Sample Processing: In histopathology, sodium hydroxide is used in the process of tissue sample processing to aid in tissue digestion, particularly for clearing or decalcifying bone samples before microscopic examination.
Decontamination: In some instances, sodium hydroxide can be used for decontaminating medical equipment and surfaces. However, this must be done with extreme care and following proper guidelines due to its corrosive nature.
Precautions
Sodium Hydroxide is a highly caustic and reactive chemical, and it requires Proper handling, protective gear, and controlled reaction conditions are necessary to ensure safe production
- Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store Caustic Soda in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
- Protective Measures: When handling Sodium Lye, it is advisable to use gloves and avoid contact with eyes and broken skin. In case of accidental contact, rinse immediately thoroughly with running water.
- Corrosive Nature: Sodium Hydroxide is corrosive to skin and eyes, and contact should be avoided. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Storage: Store Caustic Soda in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to maintain its effectiveness.
- Dilution: Dilution should be done with caution, as it generates heat and can cause splattering. Always add Sodium Hydroxide to water, not the other way around, to minimize the risk of splashing.
- Inhalation: Avoid inhaling excessive amounts of Caustic Fumes, as it may cause respiratory irritation.
Sodium Hydroxide’s versatility and strong alkaline properties make it a valuable chemical in various industries, supporting processes ranging from water treatment and chemical manufacturing to soap making and food processing. Due to its potent nature, safe handling practices are crucial to ensure its effective and safe utilization.
