What Are the Main Uses and Applications of Caustic Soda?
Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide, is an important chemical obtained by electrolyzing sodium chloride solution in electrolytic containers. This white and permeable compound is soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol. Also called lye, this chemical has several domestic and commercial uses.
You can find caustic soda for sale in different concentrations for varied purposes. It is mostly applied in pulp and paper, leather and textile, oil and gas, food, and chemical industries as a versatile alkali. While several caustic soda solutions and crystals are available for domestic use, it’s critical to employ caution and safety gear when using caustic soda. The acidic and corrosive nature of the chemical makes it hazardous.
Here are five main uses of caustic soda:
In Water Treatment Plants
Sodium hydroxide helps stabilize the pH balance of hard water by absorbing water and carbon dioxide. Hard water leads to corrosion of metals, which increases the solubility of toxic elements like copper and lead, further contaminating your water. Some additives also release calcium carbonate, which can affect the free flow of water by sticking to the wall of the pipes. Caustic soda has no such property, making it the perfect water treatment chemical.
In Textile Industry
While caustic soda was traditionally used in soaps, it is now crucial in cleansing, strengthening, and dyeing textiles. The chemical helps get rid of unwanted elements in the cotton fabric like natural wax, oil, and seed fragments.
The acidic solution improves fiber strength by reducing shrinkage and loss of luster by rearranging cellulose molecules. Textile dyeing is made easier with this alkaline as it controls the pH balance of water that is required.
Manufacturers also use caustic soda to remove wax and oil content from cloth. Textile manufacturers also use caustic soda crystals and solutions for scouring, mercerization, and dying textile items. The solution can remove unwanted elements and materials from cotton or other fabric material.
In Paper Industry
Caustic soda is used in processing pulp with acid sodium sulfite to swell and soften the wood. It is also used in extracting lignin, a polymeric component that lends rigidity to the wood. You can find caustic soda for sale as flakes, pearls, and liquids.
Impurities are removed, and pulp is later oxidized to become alkali-soluble. Not only is caustic soda an essential element in the pulping and bleaching process, but it is also used in the deinking of waste paper.
In Petroleum Industry
Caustic soda is used extensively to extract, produce and refine petroleum. It can increase the alkaline percentage in mud while drilling, increase viscosity, and neutralize acidic gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.
In Food
Sodium hydroxide is also known as Soda Ash, which is a popular food additive. Food-grade lye water is an integral part of Chinese cuisine for cooking meats, rice, noodles, and vegetables. It can also be used in preparing traditional ramen noodles, as lye water increases the pH of the dough, which brings out the natural yellow pigments and gives it a chewy texture.
In Domestic Cleaning
Your stainless steel and cast iron utensils could suffer significant damage if they are washed regularly with hard water. Hard water could lead to staining and corrosion of kitchen utensils and appliances. The water could also lead to patching and spotting on your kitchen surfaces.
However, it’s critical to use specialized caustic soda crystals that are specifically designed and formulated for kitchen use. Experts recommend using safety glasses when using caustic soda crystals to clean cookware and utensils.
Caustic soda is a strong cleaning agent people use at home. It is generally used for removing built-up grease, unblocking drains, cleaning pipes, and making detergents at home.
As it breaks down particles with ease, caustic soda is one of the most potent chemicals you can work with. It is essential to use the chemical under close administration while wearing proper gear.
Caustic soda is a popular domestic drain cleaning agent. Several brands offer caustic soda for sale in the form of crystals and liquids. You can use crystals or solutions to clean clogged or congested drain pipes. Mild clogs caused by food particles and other degradable elements can be dissolved using caustic soda.
Warnings and Safety Precautions
Caustic soda is an alkaline corrosive. It could react with moisture in the air or surface to generate heat. The reaction could be potent enough to cause house fires or industrial fires if inflammable material, chemicals, or substances are nearby. Caustic soda could also cause second and third-degree burns if it comes in direct contact with the user’s skin.
Final Thought
Caustic soda is an effective domestic and industrial agent with multiple residential and industrial uses. Several reputed cleaning product manufacturers sell caustic soda crystals and solutions for domestic use. It’s vital to get immediate medical attention if you sustain an injury or burn using caustic soda.
