Sodium Hydroxide Solution CAS 1310-73-2

Chemical Reactions:

• Neutralization: Reacts violently with acids, generating substantial heat (exothermic) to form sodium salts and water.
• Saponification: Breaks down esters, particularly fats and oils, to produce fatty acid salts (soap) and glycerol.
• Precipitation: Reacts with transition metal salts to form insoluble, often colored, metal hydroxide precipitates.

Specifications

Applications

• Water & Wastewater Treatment: Acts as a powerful pH regulator to neutralize acidic water streams and precipitate heavy metals out of wastewater.
• Pulp and Paper Industry: Central to the Kraft process; it breaks down the bonds holding lignin and cellulose together, aiding in wood digestion and pulp purification.
• Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a vital raw material and intermediate in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers (rayon), solvents, and bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
• Soap and Detergent Manufacturing: The primary alkali used to saponify fats and oils, directly yielding solid soaps and industrial detergents.
• Food Processing (Food Grade Only): Used for chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables, cocoa processing, and pH adjustment during food manufacturing.

Storage Environment Requirements

• Temperature Control: Keep storage areas above the solution’s freezing point. 50% solutions begin to crystallize and freeze around 12°C (54°F), so heated tanks or heat tracing may be required in cold climates.
• Material Compatibility: Store in carbon steel (for high concentrations/room temp), stainless steel, PVC, HDPE, or rubber-lined tanks. Never store in aluminum, zinc, or tin containers. Avoid glass containers with glass stoppers as the alkali will fuse the glass together.
• Segregation: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area strictly away from strong acids, organic chemicals, and reactive metals.

Handling & Usage Precautions

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chemical splash goggles, a full face shield, alkali-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or PVC), and protective clothing/aprons.
• Dilution Safety: When diluting, always add the solution slowly to the water with constant stirring. Never add water directly to the concentrated solution to prevent localized boiling, violent splattering, and steam generation.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate exhaust ventilation to prevent inhalation of corrosive mists or aerosols.
• First Aid Readiness: Emergency eye wash stations and safety showers must be immediately accessible in areas where the solution is handled.

Formulations

• Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) Production: Formulated by reacting chlorine gas into sodium hydroxide solution.
  • Role: Provides the highly alkaline medium required to stabilize the bleach and drive the reaction forward.
• Industrial Cleaners & Degreasers (CIP Solutions): Combined with surfactants, chelating agents (like EDTA), and defoamers.
  • Role: Rapidly breaks down, saponifies, and dissolves heavy greases, proteins, and baked-on carbon deposits from manufacturing equipment.
• Heavy-Duty Drain Cleaners: Blended as a highly concentrated alkaline base with stabilizing agents.
  • Role: Generates heat and transforms blocking fats/grease into soluble soap, effectively clearing pipe blockages.

Packaging Methods

• IBC Tanks: 1000L / 1200KG Intermediate Bulk Containers (Standard for medium-to-large industrial use).
• Plastic Drums: 200L / 250KG High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) drums.
• Bulk Transport: ISO Tanks or bulk road/rail tankers for large-volume industrial supply.
• Custom Packaging: Smaller volumes or specific packaging materials are available as required by the customer.

Safety & Compliance Information