Caustic Soda, a strong metal base with chemical formula of NaOH also known as Lye is one of the world's most usable chemicals and the annual world products of this chemical exceeds 60 million tones. It is an inorganic compound, physically available as a white solid and is an alkali salt available in granules, pellets, flakes and as a 50% saturated solution. This alkali is soluble in water, methanol and ethanol and readily absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture in air.
Uses of Caustic Soda
Uses of caustic soda are numerous and mostly it is used as a strong chemical base in the manufacturer of textiles, pulp and paper, drinking water, soaps, detergents and sometimes also used as a drain cleaner. Other uses of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) include:
? It is used to digest tissue in animal carcass disposal
? Used in paper making industry as it helps to separate the fibers and bleach the wood pulp.
? Used as a cleaning agent in domestic drain
? In manufacturing process of biodiesel products as a catalyst
? In diverse applications of food industry
? Rubber reclamation
? In preparation of adhesive
It's a fact that caustic soda is used in diverse applications but at the same time it is hazardous too. It is strongly corrosive and may cause serious chemical burns to skin, eyes and other soft tissue. Similar to other corrosive acids and alkalis, the drops of caustic soda can decompose the lipids and proteins in eyes and skin and may induce permanent blindness if it contacts eyes.
As a 50% solution, caustic soda is an odorless and colorless liquid that is highly corrosive and reactive. In its solution form, it is chemically stable and will pick up CO2 (carbon dioxide) from the air to form Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) which can impact product quality over time. In order to extend the storage life of caustic soda, it is good to keep it away from iron containing products and minimize its exposure to air.
The solution of sodium hydroxide is readily reacts with metals including zinc, tin, aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, tantalum, magnesium and zinc coated materials. Here are some hazardous facts about this chemical and the ways you need to adopt while handling the chemical.
Things you Need to Keep in Mind while Dealing with Caustic Soda or Sodium Hydroxide
? If there is water, solid alkali may express its corrosive nature. So it is good to use protective equipments such as safety clothing and rubber gloves.
? Don't forget to always use eye protection when handling the material and its solution.
? Dissolution of lye is highly exothermic and may cause heat burns or ignite flammables with resulting heat.
? When reacted with acids, it produces heat.
? It is also mildly corrosive to glass and can cause damage to glazing of ground glass joints.
Moreover proper and careful storage is needed to store this material. It is always advisable to use protective equipments to avoid the hazards associated with caustic soda.
