As a strong base, sodium hydroxide is one of the most important industrial chemicals. Sodium hydroxide is highly soluble in water and easily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide in the air. Sodium hydroxide is industrially produced as a 50% solution by variations of the electrolytic chloralkali process. Chlorine gas is also produced in this process. Solid sodium hydroxide is obtained from this solution by the evaporation of water. Solid sodium hydroxide is most commonly sold as flakes, prills, and cast blocks. Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries like pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents, and as a drain cleaner.
Characteristics
| Chemical formula | NaOH |
| Other names | Caustic soda, Lye, Ascarite, White caustic, Sodium hydrate, |
| Molecular mass | 39.99 g/mol |
| Melting temperature | 323 °C |
| Appearance | White crystals |
Application
- pH control
- Acid neutralization
- Degassing
- Pulp and paper
- Oil & Gas industry
- Soap and cleaners
- Artificial silk and cellophane industries
- water and wastewater treatment
- Food processing
- Engraving and metalwork
Packing
Solid sodium hydroxide is sold mostly in the form of flakes, grains and granules. The solid sodium hydroxide is packed in 25 kg bags or Jumbo bags.