Caustic soda flakes are a form of sodium hydroxide(cas1310-73-2), a strong alkali that has many industrial applications. Caustic soda flakes are white, solid, and hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air. They are also very soluble in water and alcohol, and release heat when dissolved. Sodium hydroxide flakes are used in various industries, such as paper, soap, petroleum, textile, and chemical production.
What is Caustic Soda?
Caustic soda is the common name for sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a chemical compound that consists of sodium, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is also known as lye, soda lye, or caustic. It is a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe burns and damage to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It is also a powerful base that can neutralize acids and react with metals.
Caustic soda can be produced in different forms, such as liquid, solid, or flakes. Liquid caustic soda is also called caustic soda lye or caustic soda solution. It is a clear, colorless liquid that has a high concentration of sodium hydroxide. Solid caustic soda is also called caustic soda prills or caustic soda pearls. It is a white, spherical solid that has a low moisture content. Sodium hydroxide flakes are another form of solid caustic soda that have a flake-like shape and a higher moisture content than pearls.
How are Sodium hydroxide Flakes Made?
Caustic soda flakes are made by passing molten caustic soda over cooled flaking rolls to form flakes of uniform thickness. The flakes can be milled and screened into several crystalline products with controlled particle size. The flaking process reduces the moisture content of the caustic soda and increases its shelf life and stability.
The molten caustic soda used for flaking is usually obtained from the chlor-alkali process, which is the most common method for producing caustic soda. The chlor-alkali process involves the electrolysis of salt brine (NaCl) to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH), chlorine gas (Cl2), and hydrogen gas (H2). The electrolysis can be done using different types of cells, such as mercury cells, diaphragm cells, or membrane cells.
The following table shows the typical composition of caustic soda flakes according to different grades:
| Grade | NaOH (%) | Na2CO3 (%) | NaCl (%) | Na2SO4 (%) | Fe (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 96 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.03 | 20 |
| 98 | 98 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.02 | 15 |
| 99 | 99 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.01 | 10 |
What are the Uses of Caustic Soda Flakes?
Caustic soda flakes have many uses in various industries, such as:
- Paper industry: Caustic soda flakes are used in the pulping and bleaching processes of paper production. They help to dissolve lignin, which is the glue-like substance that binds wood fibers together. They also help to whiten the pulp by removing impurities and colorants.
- Soap and detergent industry: Sodium hydroxide flakes are used in the saponification process of soap making. They react with fats and oils to produce soap and glycerin. They are also used as a builder or filler in detergents to enhance their cleaning performance.
- Petroleum industry: sodium hydroxide flakes are used in the refining and processing of petroleum products. They help to remove sulfur compounds, acids, and mercaptans from crude oil and gas. They also help to prevent corrosion and fouling in pipelines and equipment.
- Textile industry: sodium hydroxide flakes are used in the mercerization process of cotton fabrics. They increase the strength, luster, and dye affinity of cotton fibers by swelling them and altering their structure.
- Chemical industry: Caustic soda flakes are used as a raw material or intermediate in the production of various chemicals, such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium bicarbonate, sodium silicate, sodium nitrate, sodium phosphate, etc.
- Water treatment industry: Sodium hydroxide flakes are used as a pH adjuster and coagulant in water treatment plants. They help to neutralize acidic water and remove impurities such as heavy metals, organic matter, and suspended solids.
- Food industry: Sodium hydroxide flakes are used as a food additive in some food products, such as olives, pretzels, and noodles. They help to give a crunchy texture and a characteristic flavor to these foods. They are also used as a peeling agent for fruits and vegetables.
How to Handle and Store Sodium hydroxide Flakes?
Sodium hydroxide flakes are hazardous substances that require proper handling and storage. The following precautions should be taken when dealing with Sodium hydroxide flakes:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, apron, and mask.
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
- Avoid inhalation of dust or vapors. In case of inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention.
- Avoid ingestion of caustic soda flakes. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention.
- Store sodium hydroxide flakes in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, moisture, and incompatible materials, such as acids, metals, and organic substances.
- Keep sodium hydroxide flakes in tightly closed containers and label them clearly.
- Dispose of sodium hydroxide flakes in accordance with local regulations and environmental standards.
How to Buy Caustic Soda Flakes?
If you are looking for a reliable Caustic Soda supplier in China, you can visit our SHANDONG QIBO NEW ENERGY CO., LTD. website www.qiboch.com. We have various grades and quantities of caustic soda available for sale. We also sell other industrial chemicals such as acetonitrile, adipic acid, glacial acetic acid, ethanol, etc. We ship our products worldwide at competitive prices. Contact us today for a free quote.
