Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

What is Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda)?

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH); commonly known as Caustic Soda is a white, hygroscopic strong base. It is available in flake, bead, or liquid form and dissolves easily in water, exhibiting high alkalinity.

NaOH is one of the basic chemicals used in many industries, primarily paper, soap, detergent, food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and metal processing.

Sodium Hydroxide – Caustic Soda (Granular / Bead / Liquid) Properties

⚠️ Note: Sodium Hydroxide is corrosive. Protective equipment must be worn during use and appropriate safety precautions must be taken.

Which Industries Use Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda)?

Sodium hydroxide is used for many different purposes in industry. Its main uses are as follows:

• Paper and pulp industry: Sodium hydroxide is used as a component in the paper and pulp industry to make kraft paper.
• Petroleum refineries: Petroleum refineries use sodium hydroxide to separate fatty acids and produce various petroleum products.
• Cleaning industry: Sodium hydroxide is used in detergents, soaps, and cleaners.
• Food industry: In the food industry, sodium hydroxide is used in food processing and preparation processes.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Sodium hydroxide is used in the production of pharmaceutical products.
• Metal processing industry: Sodium hydroxide is used in the metal processing industry for surface treatment.

This is only a summary of some industries where sodium hydroxide can be used; in fact, it is used in many more different industries.

How is Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) Produced?

Sodium hydroxide is a water-soluble compound and is typically produced on an industrial scale through electrolysis. The process is carried out by applying an electric current to a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. During this process, sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas are produced.

The details of this process are as follows:

• Using a device called an electrolytic cell, a sodium chloride solution is passed between electrodes.
• The cell consists of a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode. The electric current enables the production of chlorine gas at the anode surface and hydroxide ions at the cathode surface.
• Hydroxide ions combine on the surface of the cathode to form a sodium hydroxide solution.
• Chlorine gas is removed from the anode and processed separately or used as a by-product.

Ultimately, sodium hydroxide solution is obtained in different concentrations depending on the amount of sodium hydroxide in the solution.