Caustic Soda: The Versatile Chemical

Many chemicals are specialized with a short range of practical applications. Caustic soda – also known as sodium hydroxide – definitely defies that categorization. Industries around the globe have found dozens of uses for caustic soda, and the Jacksonville chemical supplier, Bell Chem, stocks several different forms and gradients of this versatile chemical.

  • Chemical manufacturing: Used as a feedstock, caustic soda is an intermediary and reactant in the production of solvents, synthetic fibers, plastic, bleach, adhesives, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and inks.

  • Cosmetics and personal care: Caustic soda acts as a buffering agent in fragrances, makeup, powders, shampoos, hair straighteners, and shaving and skin care products.

  • Food and beverage industry: Caustic soda adjusts the pH in many packaged foods. It also acts as a chemical peel and detergent for fruits and vegetables.

  • Industrial cleaning: Caustic soda can saponify fat, tallow, and vegetable oils, making it ideal in soaps and detergents. Acting as a chemical base or surfactant in detergents, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners, caustic soda breaks down grease, fats, and protein-based deposits.

  • Pulp and paper manufacturing: Bleaching and pulping are simplified with the addition of the alkaline caustic soda. Waste paper inscribed with ink becomes unblemished when caustic soda is applied. The paper and pulp industry consume a huge percentage of caustic soda production.

  • Textile industry: Synthetic fibers are easily dyed with caustic soda, and cotton processing is one of sodium hydroxide’s best textile uses.

  • Water treatment: When the pH varies slightly in water treatment facilities, bacteria and other microbes flourish or tuberculation appears. As a pH adjuster, caustic soda maintains safer pH levels for sanitation systems.

Bell Chem, your Jacksonville chemical supplier, is based in Longwood, FL, just north of Orlando. With hundreds of products stocked in our 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including caustic soda, you will find the chemical or ingredient your thriving business needs. Expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service from Bell Chem. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff handle all your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.

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