Liquid Caustic, Liquid Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda, Sodium Hydroxide, E524, 1310-73-2

Liquid Caustic, Liquid Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda, Sodium Hydroxide, E524, 1310-73-2

LIQUID CAUSTIC SODA (SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION - NaOH)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Sodium Hydroxide Structure:

    Na⁺  OH⁻

Structure Description:

• Ionic compound composed of sodium cation (Na⁺) and hydroxide anion (OH⁻).

• Clear, colorless to slightly yellowish viscous liquid.

• Strong base (alkali) and one of the fundamental building blocks of industry.

• Highly soluble in water (exothermic dissolution).

• Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air).

• Typically available in 32%, 50%, or 73% concentrations.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: LIQUID CAUSTIC SODA vs OTHER FORMS

SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION PROCESS

Industrial Production Method (Chlor-Alkali Process - Membrane Cell):

Reaction: 2NaCl + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + Cl₂ + H₂

Process Flow:
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) + Water → Brine → Purification → Electrolysis (Membrane Cell) → Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Solution (32%) → Concentration (Evaporation) → 50% or 73% NaOH Solution → Cooling → Storage → Final Product

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Brine Preparation: Sodium chloride is dissolved in water to form a saturated brine solution.

2. Purification: Brine is purified to remove calcium, magnesium, and other impurities.

3. Electrolysis: Purified brine is electrolyzed in a membrane cell.

   • 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).

4. Product Recovery: Sodium hydroxide solution (typically 32%) is collected.

5. Concentration: Liquid NaOH is concentrated by evaporation to 50% or 73% NaOH solution.

6. Cooling: Concentrated solution is cooled.

7. Storage: The final product is stored in appropriate tanks and ready for shipment.

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Dilution of 50% NaOH to 20% Solution:

Instructions: Slowly add the 50% NaOH solution to water with continuous stirring (caution: exothermic reaction); Cool the solution; Store in appropriate containers.

Food Processing Peeling Solution:

Instructions: Dilute NaOH to 0.5-2% solution; Immerse fruits/vegetables for short periods; Rinse thoroughly with water; Neutralize with food-grade acid if required.

Drain Opener Formulation:

Instructions: Dilute NaOH to 10-30% solution; Add surfactants; Use directly as a drain opener; Flush with water after use.

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosive), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

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 vapors/mists.

• HYGROSCOPIC: Absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air; Store in tightly closed 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).

• CRYSTALLIZATION: 50% solution may crystallize at low temperatures (below 12°C); Warm gently (do not apply direct heat).

• FOOD GRADE: E524 approved; High purity required for food applications.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Food Industry (E524): Use as pH regulator and peeling agent; Dosage: 0.5-2% solution; Dilute before use; Follow Codex Alimentarius and EU regulations; Rinse thoroughly after application.

• Detergents: Use for saponification and degreasing; Dosage: 5-20% of formulation; Dilute as required; Use in soap and detergent production; Drain openers: 10-30% concentration.

• Pulp & Paper: Use for delignification (kraft process); Dosage: 20-50 kg/ton pulp; 5-10% solution concentration; Pulp bleaching; Paper recycling.

• Water Treatment: Use for pH adjustment and heavy metal precipitation; Dosage: 1-5 mg/L (pH-dependent); Use dosing pumps; Corrosion control.

• Textile: Use for mercerization and scouring; Dosage: 20-30% solution for mercerization; Dyeing and finishing; Desizing.

• Metal Processing: Use for degreasing and surface treatment; Dosage: 5-20% solution (depending on application); Aluminum surface treatment; Oxide removal.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid inhalation of vapors/mists; Use chemical-resistant equipment; Avoid contact with eyes and skin; Always add NaOH solution to water (never water to NaOH solution) when diluting.

• Personal Protective Equipment: MANDATORY: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl), safety goggles or face shield, protective clothing (PVC or neoprene), chemical-resistant apron, vapor/gas respirator (for high concentrations), 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, corrosion-resistant containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture and CO₂; Keep away from water and acids; Maintain temperature above 15°C to prevent crystallization (for 50% solution); Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 12-36 months under proper conditions.

• Spill Management: DO NOT USE WATER. Absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite); Collect in suitable sealed container; 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:

LIQUID CAUSTIC SODA vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:

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. Liquid caustic soda is a corrosive substance that reacts violently with water; strict safety protocols must be followed at all times.