1. Product Overview
Sodium Hydroxide, also known as
caustic soda
or
lye
, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula
NaOH
. It is a highly caustic alkali that is widely used in numerous industries. Sodium hydroxide appears as white solid pellets, flakes, or granules, and is readily soluble in water with strong exothermic reactions, producing an alkaline solution. It is odorless, highly hygroscopic, and possesses strong alkalinity, making it one of the most important basic chemicals in industrial production.
Common names include Caustic Soda, Lye, Sodium Hydrate, and Caustic Alkali. It is classified under CAS No.
1310-73-2
and has a molecular weight of
39.997 g/mol
.
2. Chemical and Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | NaOH |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| Molecular Weight | 39.997 g/mol |
| Appearance | White solid in pellets/flakes/granules |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting Point | 318 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1,388 °C |
| Density | 2.13 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| Solubility in Water | 111 g/100 mL at 20°C |
| pH (1% solution) | Approx. 14 |
| Hygroscopicity | Strongly hygroscopic |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions |
| Reactivity | Strong base, reacts with acids and some metals |
Sodium hydroxide is highly reactive with acids, generating heat and forming corresponding salts. It reacts with amphoteric metals like aluminum and zinc, releasing h-ydrogen gas. It also absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, forming sodium carbonate over time.
3. Manufacturing Process
The most common industrial methods for producing sodium hydroxide include:
Membrane Cell Process : Produces high-purity sodium hydroxide by electrolysis of sodium chloride solution using ion-exchange membranes. This method is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Diaphragm Cell Process : Uses a porous diaphragm to separate the anode and cathode chambers, producing sodium hydroxide with slightly lower purity but lower production costs.
M-e-r-cury Cell Process : Now largely phased out due to environmental concerns, this method used m-e-r-cury cathodes to produce high-purity caustic soda.
In all cases, the by-products include c-hlorine gas and h-ydrogen gas, which are often utilized in other industrial applications.
4. Product Specifications
Typical industrial grades:
| Item | NaOH Flakes 98% Min | NaOH Pearls 99% Min | NaOH Solution 32% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Hydroxide (%) | ≥ 98.0 | ≥ 99.0 | 32 ± 1 |
| Sodium Carbonate (%) | ≤ 0.8 | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 0.1 |
| Sodium Chloride (%) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Iron (Fe) ppm | ≤ 50 | ≤ 30 | ≤ 10 |
| Appearance | White flakes | White pearls | Clear solution |
| Packing | 25 kg bags | 25 kg bags | 200 L drums / IBC |
5. Quality Standards and Certifications
Our sodium hydroxide products comply with the following standards and certifications:
GB/T 209-2018 (Chinese National Standard for Caustic Soda)
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System
SGS, BV inspection upon request
REACH registration for EU market
RoHS compliance for restricted substances
Halal and Kosher certification for food-grade applications
6. Applications
Sodium hydroxide is a universal industrial alkali with applications in various sectors:
Chemical Manufacturing : Used as a raw material in producing sodium salts, detergents, dyes, and other chemicals.
Pulp and Paper Industry : Key in the Kraft process for pulping wood and bleaching paper.
Textile Industry : Employed in scouring, bleaching, and mercerizing cotton fabrics.
Soap and Detergent Production : Reacts with fats and oils to produce soap through saponification.
Aluminum Production : Used to dissolve bauxite ore to extract alumina in the Bayer process.
Petroleum Industry : Removes acidic impurities in oil refining and acts as a drilling fluid additive.
Water Treatment : Adjusts pH and removes heavy metals from wastewater.
Food Processing : Used for peeling fruits and vegetables, cocoa processing, and soft drink production.
Pharmaceuticals : Acts as a reagent in drug synthesis and laboratory processes.
7. Packaging and Storage
Solid Form (flakes, pearls, granules):
25 kg PP woven bags with inner PE liner
500 kg / 1000 kg jumbo bags
Customized packaging available
Liquid Form (solutions):
200 L plastic drums
1000 L IBC tanks
Bulk tank trucks for large volumes
Storage :
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Avoid contact with acids, metals, and organic materials
Keep containers tightly closed to avoid moisture absorption
Follow all local regulations for storage of corrosive materials
8. Transportation Information
UN Number : 1823 (solid), 1824 (solution)
Hazard Class : 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group : II
Transport according to local and international regulations for hazardous goods. Ensure proper labeling and safety documentation.
9. Safety and Handling
Sodium hydroxide is highly caustic and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin or eyes.
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
Avoid inhalation of dust or mist; use adequate ventilation.
For spills, neutralize with dilute acid and absorb with inert materials.
10. Advantages and Our Service
High Purity and Consistent Quality : Strict quality control ensures stable product performance.
Wide Product Range : Available in multiple forms and concentrations to meet diverse industrial needs.
Global Compliance : Meets multiple international quality and safety standards.
Flexible Logistics : Various packaging and shipping options for global delivery.
Technical Support : Professional team to provide application guidance and after-sales service.
Competitive Pricing : Direct factory supply with cost advantages.