Caustic Soda: Industry Uses
Caustic soda, also known as NaOH, lye, or sodium hydroxide, is an alkali with the ability to react with many chemicals. The water treatment chemical supplier Bell Chem understands the importance of caustic soda and wishes to share that knowledge with its customers.
Aluminum Manufacturing
Minerals — especially bauxite — containing alumina, the derivative of aluminum, are removed with caustic soda. The alumina is then processed into aluminum used in building, construction, aluminum foil, lightweight airplane components, beer kegs, and kitchen utensils.
Chemical Manufacture
As a basic feedstock for chemicals and an intermediate and reactant in the production of solvents, synthetic fibers, adhesives, herbicides, dyes, plastics, and pharmaceutical products, caustic soda is an undeniably important chemical.
Food Manufacturing
Olives are cured using caustic soda, and tomato, potato, and vegetable skins are removed with its use. Large pretzels brown more thoroughly with caustic soda. Canning is made possible with caustic soda since it prevents microorganism growth.
Furniture Manufacturing
Wood furniture and solid wood cabinets transform from raw material to finished product with the help of caustic soda, which also acts to clean and bleach wood, giving the finish a more even, refined look.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
From the manufacture of aspirin to high-cholesterol and blood thinners, caustic soda has dozens of pharmaceutical uses.
Pulp and Paper Manufacturing
Caustic soda bleaches and renders pulp, removes ink from recycled paper, and treats the water used during the paper manufacturing process. At the beginning of processing wood into paper, caustic soda is combined with sodium sulfide to dissolve all but cellulose, which is the main component of creating paper.
Soap and Detergent Manufacturing
Cleansers and disinfectants are often components of caustic soda. Chlorine bleach, for instance, combines chlorine and sodium hydroxide to create a powerful disinfectant. Its ability to saponify fats and greases allows for quick clean up.
Water Treatment
Acidic water is corrosive and “soft”; treating water with caustic soda stabilizes the water’s pH while removing heavy metals such as lead and zinc from the water. Caustic soda is also used in the production of sodium hypochlorite which is used to disinfect water.
From clean energy to dirty countertops, caustic soda has an amazing variety of uses. Bell Chem is your water treatment chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products including caustic soda stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.