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Caustic Soda

Caustic soda is a versatile alkali with wide-ranging applications in soap making, detergent manufacture, textiles, drinking water treatment and as a strong chemical base for the production of pulp and paper.

Overview

A basic feedstock in the manufacture of a wide range of chemicals, caustic soda is an intermediate and a reactant in processes that produce solvents.

It is also commonly used as a drain cleaner, in starch production, as well as for desulphurisation in the petrochemical industry.

CAS number
1310-73-2
Strengths
16%, 20%, 25%, 27%, 30%, 32%, 47%, 50%
AKA
Sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrate, lye
Quantities
25L, 200L, 1000L, Bulk transfer
Appearance
A clear solution with no distinguishing odour
Chemical formula
NaOH

Applications

Cleaning Chemicals & Detergents

• Soap and detergent manufacture: An esterification and transesterification reagent — traditionally used in soap making (cold process soap, saponification). Also a catalyst in production of detergents, bleaches and drain cleaners.
• Industrial cleaning: Often referred to simply as ‘caustic’; commonly used in the production of parts washer detergents.

Oil & Gas

• Refining: In petroleum industry for desulphurisation and removing impurities from oil. Also used to refine ores.
• Mud drilling additive: To increase alkalinity in bentonite mud system.

Food Additives

• Cleaning: Degreasing and treating packaging, in particular at dairy plants, fat-and-oil plants, liquor enterprises and tobacco plants.
• Preparation: Washing or chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables.
• Food processing: Cocoa processing, caramel colouring, poultry scalding, soft drink processing and thickening ice cream.

Water Treatment

• pH adjustment: Managing pH, inhibiting corrosion and neutralising water streams. Caustic soda can dissolve amphoteric metals and compounds.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes

• Paper manufacture: Pulping of wood for making paper or regenerated fibres.
• Paper recycling: Separating inks.
• Dye manufacture: A base for dye production.
• Wood processing: Removing impurities.

- Fabrics: Used for mercerisation — improving the strength and dye absorption of cotton — and for removing impurities from fibres.

Healthcare Chemicals

• Pharmaceutical manufacture: To produce a range of drugs, including aspirin.

Others

• Chemical production: The basic feedstock in the manufacture of a range of chemicals. Used as an intermediate and reactant in processes that produce solvents, dyes, synthetic fibres and plastic.
• Fuel cell production: To create the electrolyte solution used in fuel cell manufacturing.
• Metals: Metal treatment, cleaning and in the production of aluminium.

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With over 50 years’ experience, large storage facilities and our own distribution fleet, we are an award-winning supplier and distributor of caustic soda for businesses right across the UK.

Please note: We are unable to sell chemicals to members of the public.

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