Sodium hydroxide is a white solid ionic compound with the formula NaOH. It is easily soluble in water and forms a slippery, soapy solution. As a strong alkali, sodium hydroxide is used in many areas of industry and everyday life. Sodium hydroxide should be used with caution as it is very irritating to living tissue. Contact with eyes can cause permanent damage. Breathing its vapors can also be harmful to health.

Sodium hydroxide is available in beads and straws. Bead caustic is produced by compression, so it is denser and absorbs less moisture from the air. Straws caustic is made up of finer and lighter crystals. Both forms dissolve well in water and have the same chemical properties.

The chemical and physical properties of sodium hydroxide are as follows:

• Its molecular weight is 40 g/mol.
• Melting point is 318 °C.
• Its boiling point is 1390 °C.
• Its density is 2.13 g/cm3.
• Solubility is high in water and alcohol, low in ether.

The production methods of sodium hydroxide are as follows:

• Electrolysis method: This is the most common method of sodium hydroxide production. Sodium hydroxide is obtained by decomposing sodium chloride (table salt) solution with electric current. This method also produces chlorine gas and hydrogen gas. There are different types of electrolysis. Diaphragm cell method, membrane cell method and mercury cell method are examples.
• Pyrolytic method: This is the oldest production method of sodium hydroxide. Sodium oxide is obtained by calcining sodium carbonate at high temperature. The reaction of sodium oxide with water produces sodium hydroxide.
• Lime method: This is an alternative production method of sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is obtained by reaction of sodium carbonate solution with lime (calcium hydroxide). This method also produces calcium carbonate.

Uses of sodium hydroxide include the following:

• Paper industry: Sodium hydroxide plays an important role in pulp and paper production. Sodium hydroxide is used to decompose cellulose fibers, dissolve lignin and improve the whiteness and quality of paper.
• Textile industry: Sodium hydroxide is used in textile processing and dyeing. Sodium hydroxide is used to process natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, to obtain synthetic fibers, to increase the solubility and stability of dyes.
• Soap and detergent industry: Sodium hydroxide is one of the main ingredients in soap and detergents. Sodium hydroxide is used to saponify fatty acids, solidify soap and increase the cleaning power of detergents.
• Aluminum industry: Sodium hydroxide plays an important role in the production of aluminum. Sodium hydroxide is used to smelt bauxite ore, precipitate aluminum hydroxide, and obtain aluminum metal.
• Food industry: Sodium hydroxide is also used in the food industry for various purposes. Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of foods, as a leavening agent, as a color stabilizer, and as a sweetener. For example, sodium hydroxide is used in products such as olives, cocoa, chocolate and cheese.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Sodium hydroxide is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for various purposes. Sodium hydroxide is used to increase the solubility of drugs, to prepare buffer solutions and to use as antacids.
• Biodiesel industry: Sodium hydroxide plays an important role in biodiesel production. Sodium hydroxide is used to convert vegetable oils into methylesters through a transesterification reaction. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel developed as an alternative to fossil fuels.

As Northchem Kimya, we offer you bead and sequin caustic. Our products are of high quality and purity and are offered for sale at affordable prices. You can contact us for your sodium hydroxide needs.