Caustic soda

Caustic soda is used in the petroleum and chemical industries for manufacturing oils, chemical analysis, etching of aluminum. It acts as a catalyst in chemical reactions and neutralizes various acids. Sodium hydroxide is used to make many everyday products such as paper, aluminum, industrial waste, and oven cleaners. Sewer cleaners containing sodium hydroxide convert grease and grease that can clog pipes into water-soluble soap.

Lye is used to making soaps, candles, home biodiesel, glass enrobing, and chemical experiments.

Key takeaways

• Sodium hydroxide is used in a variety of medicines and pharmaceuticals, from common pain relievers like aspirin to anticoagulants.
• Hydroxide is used in the energy sector in the production of fuel cells.
• Municipal wastewater treatment plants use sodium hydroxide to control the acidity of the water and remove heavy metals from the water.
• Sodium hydroxide is used in several food processing applications, such as preserving foods, such as olives, or browning Bavarian-style pretzels for their characteristic crunch.
• Sodium hydroxide is used for cleaning raw materials for wood products such as cabinets and furniture, and for bleaching and cleaning wood.
• Sodium hydroxide is used to extract alumina from natural minerals.