Sodium Hydroxide – What You Have to Be Aware Of

With the Chemical Formula NaOH, sodium hydroxide is also referred to as caustic soda and alkali. This is a white crystalline and quickly absorbs carbon dioxide and water vapour from the air. It is also corrosive and is known to be very soluble in alcohol, water, and glycerin.

The commercial, substance is available in different white solid forms and as solutions to various concentrations in water. The main method for making caustic soda is through electrolysis of saltwater. But, it is also prepared through a sodium carbonate or soda reaction in the form of a concentrated solution with calcium hydroxide or dead lime. You can buy high-quality caustic soda on https://camachem.com/special-use-chemicals/caustic-soda.html

This substance is used in different industries and one of the advantages of its use is low cost and that is easy to detect, delete, and dispose of. One of the main uses is in the field of chemical manufacturing, especially in acid neutralization, pH control, and off-gas rubbing.

It is also used in the paper industry. This is a key component, together with sodium sulfide, a white liquor solution used to separate lignin from cellulose fibres in a kraft process. In the oil and natural gas industry, it is used to eliminate acid contaminants in oil and gas processing.

Alkali or caustic soda is also used in:

o creating soap and detergent and cleaning products 

o Mercerizing cotton and scour

o Water treatment

o Scrubbing exhaust gas

o Mining.

o Food processing

o Making glass

o Textile Processing 

o Rubber reclamation

o Vegetable oil refining 

o Metal processing

o Degreasing metal

o Preparation of adhesive

o Remove paint

Undeniably, the substance has various uses. This is a strong chemical formula and has a potential health effect. When it comes into contact with the eye or eyes, it may result to ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea. With regards to skin contact, it can cause deep ulcers of the skin. It can also cause severe burns with delayed tissue destruction. Furthermore, inhalation of the substance can lead to pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis.