Sodium hydroxide in solid form, also called caustic soda, is an inorganic chemical compound belonging to the strongest alkali. In solid form, it is a white substance with crystalline appearance . It has hygroscopic properties. It is perfectly soluble in water, forming corrosive soda lye , which is accompanied by the release of significant amounts of heat.
Caustic soda solid constitutes an essential reactant in the production of many useful organic chemicals (more than 30 % of caustic production goes into this application).
Caustic soda solid in Inorganic chemicals like paints, glass and ceramics and uses in fuel cell production and cosmetics are also very important.
The paper, pulp and cellulose industries are major users of solid caustic soda.
Other areas where caustic is essential are: the food industry, water treatment (for the flocculation of heavy metals and acidity control), the soaps and detergents sectors, the textile sector (as a bleaching agent), mineral oils (preparation of greases and fuel additives) and the synthesis of the synthetic fibre rayon
About four per cent of caustic soda production is used in the process of refining aluminium from its ore bauxite.
The remainder of the caustic production (more than 17%) has miscellaneous applications, like the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, rubber recycling and the neutralisation of acids.
Post time: Dec-31-2019