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Send EmailCaustic Soda Pearl, Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda, Caustic Soda Flake, Sodium Hydroxide Pellet, E524, 1310-73-2
CAUSTIC SODA (SODIUM HYDROXIDE - NaOH)
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Caustic Soda |
| Chemical Name | Sodium Hydroxide |
| Synonyms (Turkish) | Kostik Soda, Sodyum Hidroksit, Boncuk Kostik, Payet Kostik, Flake Kostik, Sud Kostik |
| Synonyms (English) | Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda, NaOH, Lye, White Caustic, Sodium Hydrate, Ascarite |
| E Number | E524 (Food Grade) |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| EC Number | 215-185-5 |
| UN Number | UN 1823 (Solid) / UN 1824 (Solution) |
| Molecular Formula | NaOH |
| Molecular Weight | 39.997 g/mol |
| Appearance | White, odorless, crystalline solid (various physical forms) |
| Odor | Odorless |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
Sodium Hydroxide Structure:
Na⁺ OH⁻
Structure Description:
-
Ionic compound composed of sodium cation (Na⁺) and hydroxide anion (OH⁻).
-
Strong base (alkali) and one of the fundamental building blocks of industry.
-
White, odorless, orthorhombic crystalline solid at room temperature.
-
Highly soluble in water and ethanol (exothermic dissolution).
-
Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air).
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Caustic Soda |
| Chemical Name | Sodium Hydroxide |
| Synonyms (Turkish) | Kostik Soda, Sodyum Hidroksit, Boncuk Kostik, Payet Kostik, Flake Kostik, Sud Kostik |
| Synonyms (English) | Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda, NaOH, Lye, White Caustic, Sodium Hydrate, Ascarite |
| E Number | E524 (Food Grade) |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| EC Number | 215-185-5 |
| UN Number | UN 1823 (Solid) / UN 1824 (Solution) |
| Molecular Formula | NaOH |
| Molecular Weight | 39.997 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic base; Alkali hydroxide; Strong base |
| Source | Synthetic (electrolysis of sodium chloride solution) |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (crystalline) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Color | White |
| Taste | Bitter, soapy (do not taste) |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Test Method / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White, odorless, crystalline solid | Visual |
| Odor | Odorless | Olfactometric |
| Molecular Weight | 39.997 g/mol | Calculated |
| Density (25°C) | 2.13 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Melting Point | 318°C | DSC |
| Boiling Point | 1388°C | – |
| Solubility in Water (20°C) | ~109 g/100 mL (very high) | General Method |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Soluble | General Method |
| pH (1% Solution) | ~14.0 (strongly alkaline) | pH Meter |
| Heat of Dissolution | Exothermic (-44.5 kJ/mol) | – |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions | – |
| Hygroscopicity | Very high (absorbs moisture and CO₂) | – |
| Corrosivity | Strongly corrosive to skin and metals | – |
| Flammability | Non-flammable (but may produce toxic fumes when heated) | – |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 10 ppm (Low Iron: <10 ppm) | AAS / ICP |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | ≤ 0.5% | Titrimetric |
| Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | ≤ 0.02% | Titrimetric |
| Assay (NaOH) | ≥ 99.0 – 99.5% (grade dependent) | Titrimetric |
SECTION 3: CAUSTIC SODA FORMS COMPARISON
| Form | Turkish Name | English Name | Appearance | Advantages | Disadvantages | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | Boncuk Kostik | Sodium Hydroxide Pearls | Small, white spherical granules | No dust (safer), high flowability, fast dissolution, low impurities | Slower dissolution than flakes, slightly higher cost | General industry, chemicals, textiles, water treatment, automated dosing |
| Flake | Payet Kostik | Sodium Hydroxide Flakes | Thin, crystalline flakes | Very fast dissolution (high surface area), economical | High dust risk, poor flowability, prone to caking | Soap and detergent, textile mercerization, small-scale manual production |
| Liquid | Sıvı Kostik | Sodium Hydroxide Solution (50%) | Colorless to yellowish viscous liquid | Easiest dosing and mixing, no dust risk, no exothermic reaction | High transport cost (50% water), freezing sensitive, special storage required | Water treatment (pH adjustment), liquid detergents, continuous reactors |
| Granular | Granül Kostik | Sodium Hydroxide Granules | Coarse, irregular lumps | Very low dust, high density (space-saving) | Slower dissolution, non-homogeneous particle size | Bulk transport (big bags / bulk ships), slow dissolution processes |
| Micro Pearl | Mikro Boncuk | Sodium Hydroxide Micro Pearls | Smaller than standard pearls | Very fast dissolution (as fast as flakes, as safe as pearls), homogeneous | Higher cost, slight dust during transport | Laboratory, food and pharma (critical processes requiring rapid dissolution) |
| Pastille | Pastil | Sodium Hydroxide Pastilles | Lens/half-sphere shaped uniform particles | Most homogeneous particle size, nearly zero dust, aesthetic | Highest production cost, limited availability | Specialty chemicals, high-purity processes, high-value products |
SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Strong Base / Alkalinity | Fully dissociates in water to Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions; Strongly alkaline with pH ~14; Neutralizes acids to form salts and water; Used as a pH regulator and neutralizer. |
| Saponification | Reacts with fats and oils (triglycerides) to form soap (sodium salts of fatty acids) and glycerol; Essential for soap and detergent production; Hydrolyzes ester bonds. |
| Dissolution of Lignin | Breaks down lignin in wood; Separates cellulose fibers (kraft process); Used in pulp and paper industry for delignification; Dissolves organic materials. |
| Mercerization | Swells and dissolves cellulose fibers; Improves fiber strength and dye affinity; Used in textile processing; Creates a lustrous finish. |
| Precipitation | Raises pH of solutions; Precipitates heavy metals as hydroxides (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb); Used in water treatment and metal recovery. |
| Hygroscopic Reaction | Absorbs moisture from air; Reacts with CO₂ to form sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃); Can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture. |
SECTION 5: PRODUCTION PROCESS
Industrial Production Method (Chlor-Alkali Process):
Electrolysis of Sodium Chloride Solution (Brine):
Reaction: 2NaCl + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + Cl₂ + H₂
Process Flow (Membrane Cell Method):
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) + Water → Brine → Electrolysis (Membrane Cell) → Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) + Chlorine Gas (Cl₂) + Hydrogen Gas (H₂)
Step-by-Step Description:
-
Brine Preparation: Sodium chloride is dissolved in water to form a saturated brine solution.
-
Purification: Brine is purified to remove calcium, magnesium, and other impurities.
-
Electrolysis: Purified brine is electrolyzed in a membrane cell.
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Cathode: Sodium ions (Na⁺) migrate through the membrane and react with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂).
-
Anode: Chloride ions (Cl⁻) are oxidized to chlorine gas (Cl₂).
-
-
Product Recovery: Sodium hydroxide solution (typically 32-50%) is collected.
-
Concentration: Liquid NaOH is concentrated by evaporation to 50% or 73%.
-
Solidification: Concentrated NaOH is cooled and solidified into various forms (pearls, flakes, granules, pastilles).
-
Final Product: Different physical forms of caustic soda are produced.
SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| pH Regulator / Neutralizer | Adjusts and controls pH in industrial processes; Neutralizes acidic streams and wastewaters; Used in water treatment; Maintains alkaline conditions. |
| Saponification Agent | Reacts with fats and oils to produce soap and detergents; Hydrolyzes triglycerides; Essential for soap manufacturing; Used in cosmetic and personal care products. |
| Pulp & Paper Processing | Dissolves lignin (kraft process); Separates cellulose fibers; Bleaches pulp; Used in paper manufacturing; Removes ink from recycled paper. |
| Textile Processing | Mercerization of cotton; Improves fiber strength and dye affinity; Used in dyeing and finishing; Removes sizing agents; pH adjustment in dye baths. |
| Water Treatment | Adjusts pH of drinking water and wastewater; Precipitates heavy metals; Reduces water hardness; Removes suspended solids; Used in corrosion control. |
| Food Processing (E524) | Peeling of fruits and vegetables; Cocoa and chocolate processing; Pretzel and bagel production; Caramel color production; Food equipment cleaning (CIP); pH adjustment in food products. |
SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS
| Industry / Application | Function | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Industry | Raw material, catalyst, neutralizer | Production of other sodium compounds (sodium hypochlorite, sodium aluminate, sodium phenolate, etc.); Chemical synthesis; Catalyst production; pH adjustment. |
| Pulp & Paper Industry | Delignification, bleaching | Kraft process (lignin removal); Pulp bleaching; Paper recycling; Ink removal from recycled paper; Dosage: 20-50 kg/ton pulp. |
| Textile Industry | Mercerization, dyeing, finishing | Cotton mercerization (improves strength and luster); Dyeing and printing; Desizing; Scouring; pH adjustment; Dosage: 20-100 g/L (depending on process). |
| Detergents & Cleaning Products | Saponification, pH adjustment | Soap and detergent production (saponification of fats); Heavy-duty cleaners; Degreasers; Dishwashing liquids; Dosage: 5-20% of formulation. |
| Water & Wastewater Treatment | pH adjustment, precipitation, coagulation | Drinking water treatment; Wastewater treatment (heavy metal precipitation); pH adjustment; Corrosion control; Dosage: 10-100 ppm (pH-dependent). |
| Food & Beverage Industry (E524) | Food processing, pH adjustment, cleaning | Fruit and vegetable peeling; Cocoa and chocolate processing; Pretzel and bagel production; Caramel color production; CIP (cleaning-in-place); Food equipment sanitation; Dosage: 0.1-2% (depending on application). |
| Petroleum & Gas | Neutralization, drilling mud | Petroleum refining (acidic component neutralization); Drilling mud formulations; Pipeline cleaning; Sulfur removal; Dosage: 0.5-5% of formulation. |
| Metallurgy & Mining | Alumina extraction, surface treatment | Bayer process (bauxite to alumina); Aluminum production; Metal surface cleaning; Degreasing; Oxide removal; Dosage: 10-30% of process solution. |
| Electronics | Etching, cleaning | PCB (printed circuit board) etching; Semiconductor manufacturing; Cleaning and surface preparation; Dosage: 5-20% of etching solution. |
| Pharmaceutical | pH adjustment, solubilizer | Drug formulation (pH adjustment); Active ingredient solubilization; Cleaning and sanitization; Pharmaceutical grade required. |
SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS
Caustic Soda Solution Preparation (50% w/w):
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sodium Hydroxide (Pearl/Flake) | 50 kg |
| Water (Deionized) | To 100 L |
Instructions: Slowly add sodium hydroxide to water (never water to NaOH) with continuous stirring (caution: exothermic reaction); Cool the solution; Store in appropriate containers.
Textile Mercerization Bath:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) | 20 – 30% |
| Water | To 100% |
| Wetting Agents | As required |
Instructions: Dissolve sodium hydroxide in water; Cool the solution to 15-20°C; Immerse cotton fabric; Wash and neutralize with acid.
SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Standard Grade (Pearl) | Low Iron Grade | Food Grade (E524) | Pharma Grade | High Purity Grade | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White pearls | White pearls | White pearls | White pearls | White pearls | Visual |
| Assay (NaOH) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.5% | Titrimetric |
| Sodium Carbonate | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.4% | ≤ 0.3% | ≤ 0.2% | Titrimetric |
| Sodium Chloride | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.01% | Titrimetric |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 5 ppm | ≤ 3 ppm | ≤ 2 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 5 ppm | ≤ 5 ppm | ≤ 2 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2 ppm | ≤ 2 ppm | ≤ 1 ppm | ≤ 1 ppm | ≤ 1 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ≤ 2 ppm | ≤ 1 ppm | ≤ 1 ppm | ≤ 1 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% | ≤ 0.3% | Gravimetric |
SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | ~ 1,000 – 2,000 mg/kg (moderate toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity | Corrosive; Causes severe skin burns |
| Skin Irritation | Corrosive (Category 1A/1B/1C) |
| Eye Irritation | Serious eye damage (Category 1) |
| Inhalation Toxicity | May cause respiratory irritation; Corrosive to respiratory tract |
| Chronic Toxicity | Repeated exposure may cause dermatitis; Inhalation may cause lung damage |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic |
| Reproductive Toxicity | No reproductive toxicity at normal levels |
| Environmental Toxicity | Harmful to aquatic life (pH increase); Toxic at high concentrations |
| Special Toxicity Note | Corrosive; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314); Harmful if swallowed (H302); May cause respiratory irritation (H335); Exothermic dissolution (heat generation); Use appropriate PPE; Keep away from moisture and acids. |
SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity (Oral) | Category 4 | H302 |
| Skin Corrosion/Irritation | Category 1A | H314 |
| Serious Eye Damage | Category 1 | H318 |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single) | Category 3 | H335 |
Signal Word: DANGER
Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosive), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
Hazard Statements (H-Codes):
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation |
NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:
| Health | Flammability | Reactivity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 1 | ALK |
| (Severe health hazard - corrosive) | (Non-flammable) | (Mild reactivity) | (Alkali) |
SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P260 | Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray |
| P264 | Wash hands thoroughly after handling |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection |
| P301+P330+P331 | IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting |
| P303+P361+P353 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing |
| P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor |
| P363 | Wash contaminated clothing before reuse |
| P403+P233 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed |
| P405 | Store locked up |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations |
SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air immediately. If respiratory irritation develops, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Immediately remove contaminated clothing. Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get immediate medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Get immediate medical attention. |
| Ingestion | DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water (only if conscious). Get immediate medical attention. |
| Note | Sodium hydroxide is corrosive; burns from dissolution generate heat; do not attempt to neutralize with acids. |
SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Non-flammable. However, reacts with water to release heat (exothermic). |
| Hazards Arising from Fire | Not combustible; But may cause fire/explosion when in contact with water (heat generation). |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Dry chemical powder, sand, CO₂ (for surrounding fires). |
| Unsuitable Extinguishing Media | Water, foam (reacts violently with water) |
| Special Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing, chemical-resistant gloves. |
| Special Precautions | DO NOT USE WATER on burning sodium hydroxide; Avoid contact with water; Evacuate area; Use dry extinguishing agents. |
SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; PROTECT FROM MOISTURE; Keep away from water and acids; Store separate from flammable materials. |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (sealed silos, PE-lined bags, HDPE drums). |
| Materials to Protect From | Moisture, water, acids, organic materials, CO₂ |
| Shelf Life | 12 – 36 months (in unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions). |
| Stability Note | Stable under recommended storage conditions; Highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture); Reacts with CO₂ in air to form Na₂CO₃; May cake if exposed to moisture. |
| Special Storage Requirements | Store in a dry, cool place; Avoid exposure to air and moisture; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Keep away from water and acids. |
SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| PE-Lined Paper Bag | 25 kg, 40 kg, 50 kg | PE-lined kraft paper bag (moisture-proof) |
| Plastic Bag | 10 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg | PE bag (inner-lined, sealed, moisture-proof) |
| Plastic Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg | HDPE / Polypropylene (moisture-proof) |
| Fiber Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | PE-lined fiberboard drum |
| FIBC / Big Bag | 500 kg, 1000 kg, 1500 kg | PE-lined, moisture-resistant PP woven bag |
| Silo (Bulk) | Custom quantities | Sealed steel or HDPE silo |
SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | UN 1823 (Sodium Hydroxide, Solid) / UN 1824 (Sodium Hydroxide, Solution) |
| Hazard Class | Class 8 - Corrosive Substances |
| Packing Group | II |
| ADR/RID | Class 8; UN 1823/1824; Packing Group II |
| IMDG Code | Class 8; UN 1823/1824; Marine pollutant: No |
| IATA (Air) | Class 8; UN 1823/1824; Packing Group II |
| Transport Label | Corrosive (Class 8) |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| Special Transport Requirements | PROTECT FROM MOISTURE; Segregation from water, acids, and combustible materials; Handle with care; Keep dry. |
SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union | REACH registered; Regulated as corrosive substance; E524 approved as food additive. |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed (TSCA Inventory) |
| USA (FDA) | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) ; 21 CFR 184.1762; Approved as food additive (E524). |
| Turkey | Regulated as hazardous chemical; Subject to KKDIK regulation; Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture controls; Food grade E524 requires Ministry of Health approval. |
| IARC | Not classified (non-carcinogenic) |
| NTP | Not listed |
| OSHA | Regulated as corrosive; PEL: 2 mg/m³ (ceiling). |
| California (Prop 65) | Not listed |
| Halal | Yes (with certification) |
| Kosher | Yes (with certification) |
| Vegan | Yes (mineral, no animal ingredients) |
SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Kostik Soda, Sodyum Hidroksit, Boncuk Kostik, Payet Kostik, Flake Kostik, Sud Kostik, Granül Kostik, Mikro Boncuk Kostik |
| English Names | Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda, NaOH, Lye, White Caustic, Sodium Hydrate, Ascarite |
| E Number | E524 |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| EC Number | 215-185-5 |
| HS Code | 2815.11 (Solid) / 2815.12 (Aqueous) |
SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide - NaOH) |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| E Number | E524 |
| Molecular Formula | NaOH |
| Molecular Weight | 39.997 g/mol |
| Appearance | White, odorless, crystalline solid |
| Density (25°C) | 2.13 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 318°C |
| Solubility in Water | ~109 g/100 mL (20°C) |
| pH (1% Solution) | ~14.0 |
| Primary Functions | Strong base, pH regulator, saponification agent, neutralizer |
| Main Application Areas | Chemical industry, pulp & paper, textile, detergents, water treatment, food (E524), metallurgy, electronics |
| Shelf Life | 12 – 36 months |
| GHS Signal Word | DANGER |
| UN Number | 1823 (Solid) / 1824 (Solution) |
| Hazard Class | Class 8 (Corrosive) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Special Properties | Strong alkali; Corrosive; Hygroscopic; Exothermic dissolution; Essential in many industries; FDA GRAS; Vegan; Halal. |
SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
CORROSIVE (H314, H318): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS MANDATORY.
-
REACTS VIOLENTLY WITH WATER (exothermic): Generates heat and steam; Can cause burns and splashing. DO NOT USE WATER on spills/fires.
-
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED (H302): Avoid ingestion.
-
MAY CAUSE RESPIRATORY IRRITATION (H335): Avoid inhalation of dust.
-
HYGROSCOPIC: Absorbs moisture from air; Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers.
-
REACTS WITH CO₂: Absorbs CO₂ from air to form sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃); Affects product quality over time.
-
REACTS WITH ACIDS: Exothermic neutralization; DO NOT MIX WITH ACIDS.
-
REACTS WITH METALS (Al, Zn, Sn, Pb): Corrosive to many metals; Produces hydrogen gas (flammable).
-
FOOD GRADE: E524 approved; High purity required for food applications.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
-
Chemical Industry: Use as raw material and neutralizer; Production of sodium compounds; pH adjustment; Use in appropriate reactors; Follow safety protocols for handling corrosive materials.
-
Pulp & Paper: Use as delignification agent (kraft process); Dosage: 20-50 kg/ton pulp; Pulp bleaching; Paper recycling.
-
Textile Industry: Use for mercerization; Dosage: 20-30%; Dyeing and finishing; pH adjustment; Desizing and scouring.
-
Detergents: Use for saponification of fats; Dosage: 5-20% of formulation; Soap and detergent production; Degreasers and cleaners.
-
Water Treatment: Use for pH adjustment and heavy metal precipitation; Dosage: 10-100 ppm; Corrosion control; Coagulation.
-
Food Industry: Use for food processing (E524); Fruit and vegetable peeling; Cocoa and chocolate processing; Pretzel production; CIP cleaning; Food-grade material required.
-
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks (N95/FFP2) when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles; Avoid contact with water; Add NaOH to water slowly (not water to NaOH) for dissolution.
-
Personal Protective Equipment: MANDATORY: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl), safety goggles or face shield, protective clothing, dust mask (N95/FFP2 or higher), chemical-resistant boots.
-
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
-
Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture and CO₂; Keep away from water and acids; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 12-36 months under proper conditions.
-
Spill Management: DO NOT USE WATER. Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) with spark-proof equipment; Place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways; Neutralize with dilute acid (carefully) if needed.
-
Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Hazardous waste (corrosive); Neutralize with water/acids before disposal (carefully); Use authorized disposal facilities.
DETECTION METHODS:
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titrimetric (Acid-Base) | Neutralization with standard acid | Simple, accurate, standard method | Requires indicator |
| AAS / ICP | Trace metal analysis (Fe, Na, etc.) | High sensitivity, accurate | High cost, requires expertise |
| pH Meter | pH of solution | Simple, rapid | Indicative only |
| Conductivity Measurement | Electrical conductivity of solution | Rapid, simple | Not specific |
| Gravimetric Analysis | Sodium carbonate and chloride determination | Standard method | Time-consuming |
CAUSTIC SODA vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:
| Product | Chemical Name / E Code | Application | Strength | Weakness | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caustic Soda (NaOH) | E524 | Industry, food, water treatment | Strong alkali, cheap, versatile, easy handling | Corrosive, exothermic dissolution | Widely approved |
| Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) | E525 | Industry, cosmetics | Similar properties, more soluble | More expensive | Widely approved |
| Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) | E526 | Construction, water treatment | Cheap, less corrosive | Less soluble, weak base | Widely approved |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | E500 | Water treatment, detergents | Safer, less corrosive | Weaker base | Widely approved |
| Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) | E500ii | Food, medicine | Very safe, mild | Weak base, limited applications | Widely approved |
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Sodium hydroxide is a corrosive substance that reacts violently with water; strict safety protocols must be followed at all times.
