Caustic Soda(Sodium hydroxide) is an inorganic compound that is highly alkaline and extremely corrosive.
Caustic Soda (Sodium hydroxide) USAGE
| ANALYSIS ITEMS | STANDARD | RESULT |
| Appearance | White flakes | White flakes |
| Mass fraction of NaOH/% | ≥99 | 99.3 |
| Mass fraction of Na₂CO₃/% | ≤0.8 | 0.4 |
| Mass fraction of NaCl/% | ≤0.05 | 0.03 |
| Mass fraction of Fe₂O31% | ≤0.005 | 0.002 |
| ANALYSIS CONCLUSION | SUPER GRADE | |
| PACKAGE | 25KG PLASTIC WOVEN BAG | |
Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) – CAS No. 1310-73-2
Product Overview
Caustic Soda, also known as Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), is a versatile alkaline compound essential for pH adjustment, saponification, and neutralization in chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and cleaning applications. This white, odorless solid, available in flakes, pearls, or prills, exhibits high solubility in water (up to 1000 g/L at 20°C) and a strong basic pH (>14 in solution), enabling rapid dissolution and effective reaction with acids, fats, and organic materials. With a purity ≥98%, it serves as a building block for soaps, detergents, and pulp processing, while its exothermic hydration properties support efficient heat generation in exothermic reactions. Caustic Soda’s stability in dry form and low chloride content make it a reliable choice for industrial-scale operations, promoting safety and consistency without introducing impurities.
Key benefits of Caustic Soda include:
- High Reactivity: Quickly neutralizes acids and hydrolyzes esters for streamlined processing.
- Cost-Effective Alkalinity: Provides strong base strength at economical dosing levels.
- Versatile Forms: Flakes for bulk handling, pearls for faster dissolution in liquids.
- pH Control Excellence: Buffers solutions effectively in the 12-14 range for precise adjustments.
- Regulatory Compliance: GRAS by FDA for food processing aids, compliant with USP and EP for pharma uses.
Caustic Soda is produced via the chlor-alkali process through electrolysis of sodium chloride brine, yielding a high-purity product free from heavy metals and suitable for global standards.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | NaOH |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| Molecular Weight | 40.00 g/mol |
| Appearance | White flakes, pearls, or prills |
| Purity | ≥98% |
| Sodium Carbonate | ≤0.8% |
| Sodium Chloride | ≤0.03% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | >14 |
| Solubility in Water | 1000 g/L at 20°C |
| Bulk Density | 0.6-0.8 g/cm³ (flakes) |
| Storage | Cool, dry place; avoid moisture |
These specifications ensure Caustic Soda’s performance in corrosive-resistant equipment and high-precision formulations.
Applications
Chemical Manufacturing
- Soap and Detergent Production: Used at 10-20% in saponification of fats and oils, yielding high-foaming bars and liquids with consistent lather.
- Petroleum Refining: Neutralizes acidic crudes at 0.5-2% to prevent corrosion in pipelines and reactors.
Water Treatment and Cleaning
- pH Adjustment: Dosed at 50-200 ppm in municipal water to raise alkalinity and stabilize hardness without scaling.
- Industrial Cleaners: 5-15% solutions for degreasing metals and removing scale in food processing equipment.
Pulp and Paper Industry
- Delignification: Applied at 3-5% in kraft pulping to break down lignin, improving fiber yield and brightness.
Why Choose Our Caustic Soda?
Our Caustic Soda is derived from membrane-cell electrolysis for ultra-low impurities like mercury (<0.1 ppm) and chloride (<0.01%), delivering superior dissolution rates and minimal foaming in reactions. Manufacturers report 15% faster neutralization and reduced waste in soap production. Available in flakes (98%), pearls (99%), and liquid (50% solution) forms, packaged in 25kg bags, 50kg drums, or 1000kg IBCs, with food/pharma/technical grades and certifications like Kosher, Halal, and ISO 9001.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Caustic Soda?
Caustic Soda, or Sodium Hydroxide, is an inorganic base with formula NaOH and CAS 1310-73-2, used for pH control and saponification. It’s a white solid that reacts exothermically with water to form strong alkaline solutions.
How is Caustic Soda used in soap making?
Dissolve flakes in water at 15-25% concentration, then add oils and stir; it hydrolyzes triglycerides to form soap and glycerin. Use PPE due to heat generation, and cure for 4-6 weeks.
Is Caustic Soda safe for food processing?
Yes, it’s FDA GRAS for indirect additives up to 3% in washing fruits and vegetables, with no residue concerns when rinsed properly.
What is the shelf life of Caustic Soda?
In sealed, dry storage below 30°C, flakes remain stable for 2-3 years, though hygroscopic—store in low-humidity areas to avoid clumping.
Can Caustic Soda be mixed with acids?
It neutralizes acids vigorously, producing heat and salt; always add slowly to excess water and use ventilation—ideal for pH correction but hazardous in concentrated forms.
Does Caustic Soda affect equipment?
Its high pH can corrode aluminum and zinc; use stainless steel or HDPE—dilute solutions (<10%) are safe for most plastics.
What packaging options are available for Caustic Soda?
We offer 25kg multi-wall paper bags, 50kg plastic drums, and 1000kg supersacks, all lined for moisture protection and compliant with UN 1823 shipping.
For dosing guidelines, safety data, or custom concentrations, our chemical specialists are ready to assist.
Contact Us
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