What is sodium hydroxide?

• 07 November 2023
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What is sodium hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide is one of the chemical compounds that is used as one of the most important alkalis in the chemical, medical and food industries. This compound is available as a white, odorless solid and is easily dissolved in water. Sodium hydroxide is known as a strong alkali and is used in processes such as soap production, oil refining, paper production, alcohol production, etc. Also, this compound is used in the medical and dental industries as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Introduction of different types of sodium hydroxide:

Sodium hydroxide is available in the form of powder, granules, flakes and liquid. This chemical compound is available as a strong base and is used in various industries including chemical, medical, food and health industries. In the following, we introduce the types of sodium hydroxide:
Liquid soda: Liquid soda is a chemical compound that dissolves in water in a liquid and alkaline form. This chemical compound consists of two elements sodium and hydroxide and is displayed as NaCl. Liquid soda is known as one of the types of sodium hydroxides and is used as one of the most important alkalis in various industries. Due to its alkaline properties, this chemical compound is used in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food industries, etc.

Baking soda or caustic soda: Baking soda or caustic soda is a type of sodium hydroxide that is available in solid and alkaline form. This chemical compound is used as one of the most important chemicals in chemical industries, oil refining, paper production, soap making, synthetic fiber production, water purification, etc. Due to its strong alkaline properties, soda perak can react with acids and organic substances, and if it comes into contact with the skin and eyes, it causes serious damage to them. Therefore, the use of this combination should be done with caution and following safety instructions.
Granular soda: Granular soda is one of the types of sodium hydroxide which is produced in granular form. This chemical substance is used in various industries such as production of soap, detergents, paper, plastic, paint and resin, hydrophobic, etc. Granular soda is also used as a recycled material due to its strong play properties. Also, this material is used as an antiseptic in some products.
Powdered sodium hydroxide: Powdered sodium hydroxide is one of the types of sodium hydroxide, it is produced in powder form and white in color. This compound is used as one of the most important chemical compounds in various industries such as chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and health industries. Powdered sodium hydroxide is used as one of the most important chemicals in the production of soap, detergents, paints, resins and food additives due to its alkaline properties.

Investigating the applications of sodium hydroxide:

Use of sodium hydroxide for cleaning: Sodium hydroxide is usually used for cleaning and disinfecting different surfaces. This chemical compound is usually combined with water and is used as a detergent and disinfectant in various industries such as food, medicine, agriculture and household industries. In the food industry, sodium hydroxide is used to clean and disinfect equipment, devices, surfaces and containers. In the medical industry, sodium hydroxide is used to disinfect medical devices such as surgical instruments, medical needles, etc. In agricultural industries, sodium hydroxide is used as a chemical substance in the production of chemical fertilizers and also in the regulation of soil pH.
Use of sodium hydroxide in killing germs and fungi: Sodium hydroxide is one of the compounds used as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. These compounds combine with water to release hydroxide ions, which increases the pH of the solution. This increase in pH can kill microbes and fungi. Sodium hydroxide is used as a disinfectant in many detergents, cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical products, etc. In general, sodium hydroxide is very effective as an antiseptic and antifungal agent and can be a cheap and effective solution to kill germs and fungi in some products.
Use of sodium hydroxide in paper making: Sodium hydroxide is used in the paper industry as one of the main chemicals. This material is used in the paper making process to separate wood fibers from each other. Also, sodium hydroxide is used as a softening and stabilizing agent in the paper making process. This material increases the paper's resistance to water and moisture and also increases the drying speed of the paper. In general, sodium hydroxide is one of the main ingredients in the paper making process that improves the quality and properties of paper.
The use of sodium hydroxide in water purification: by adding sodium hydroxide to water, the pH of the water is adjusted to a suitable value. Basically, sodium hydroxide is used in water purification and improves water quality and makes water usable for various purposes.
The use of sodium hydroxide in medicinal uses: sodium hydroxide is used in combination with other chemicals such as acids, organic substances, etc. as a pH regulator in medicines. Also, sodium hydroxide is used as an active ingredient in some anti-cough, anti-pain and anti-inflammatory drugs, so that sodium hydroxide is known as an important and widely used substance in the pharmaceutical industry.

Use of sodium hydroxide in beauty: Sodium hydroxide is one of the chemicals used in beauty and cosmetic industries. It is known as a strong alkali and is used in many cosmetic products such as soap, shampoo, sunscreen, moisturizer, etc. The use of sodium hydroxide in cosmetics and health products is due to its alkaline property, which adjusts the skin's pH and prevents skin sensitivity and inflammation. Also, sodium hydroxide is used as a cleaning agent in cosmetics and health products, and removes impurities and excess oils from the skin. In other cosmetic products such as shaving creams, sodium hydroxide is used as an emollient and soothing agent for the skin. Basically, sodium hydroxide is known as a useful substance in the beauty and cosmetic industry. However, it should be noted that the use of this material should be done carefully and following the manufacturer's instructions.
Use of sodium hydroxide in food production: Sodium hydroxide is one of the chemicals used in various industries, including food industries. In the food industry, sodium hydroxide is used as an additive and also to adjust the color and taste of products. Sodium hydroxide is used in the production of sweets, bread, biscuits and cakes to improve the color and taste of the products. It is also used as an additive in the production of lemon juice, soda and other drinks.
Use of sodium hydroxide in cleaning storage tanks: Sodium hydroxide is used as a detergent and disinfectant in cleaning storage tanks. This compound is able to combine with the acids in water and other pollutants to destroy them and acts as a disinfectant. In general, the use of sodium hydroxide in the cleaning of storage tanks is very effective and useful due to its strong alkalinity and disinfection ability.
Application of sodium hydroxide in aluminum ore processing: Sodium hydroxide is used as one of the chemicals used in aluminum ore processing. It is used as one of the main chemicals in the bauxite process, which is used to produce aluminum from bauxite.

Investigating the characteristics of sodium hydroxide:

• High moisture absorption
• Solubility in water
• Acid neutralizer
• Strong stimulant for chemical compounds
• Use in chemical, medical, cosmetic, food and...
• Available in many household products such as soap, detergents, etc.
• Used in the textile industry as a softening and cleaning agent
• Use in the food industry as a preservative and coloring agent
• Use in the pharmaceutical industry as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent

Investigation of safety points in the use of sodium hydroxide:

The use of sodium hydroxide can have risks for people's health and safety. In the following, the safety points in the use of sodium hydroxide will be discussed:
1. Use of gloves and protective clothing: When using sodium hydroxide, gloves and protective clothing should be used to avoid direct contact with the skin.
2. Using a mask: If vapors are created while using sodium hydroxide, a mask should be used to prevent them from breathing.
3. Using a weak solution: To avoid serious risks, you should use a weak solution of sodium hydroxide and never use a concentrated solution.
4. Storage in a dry and cool place: Sodium hydroxide should be stored in a dry and cool place and avoid contact with water and humidity.
5. Avoid contact with eyes: If sodium hydroxide gets into the eyes, you should immediately wash with water and see a doctor.
6. Keep out of the reach of children: sodium hydroxide should be kept in a place where children cannot access it.
7. Alarms: Necessary and appropriate alarms should be placed for sodium hydroxide in the place of use so that people can react quickly in case of any danger.
8. Educating users: Users should be educated about the dangers and safety tips in using sodium hydroxide to avoid serious risks.

Investigation of incompatible cases with sodium hydroxide:

Sodium hydroxide is used in many different industries and applications. However, some cases and conditions may be incompatible with the use of sodium hydroxide. In this section, some of these items are mentioned:
1- Contact with aluminum: sodium hydroxide has a strong reaction with aluminum and can cause the production of hydrogen gas and intense heat. This reaction may cause fire or explosion.
2- Contact with acids: sodium hydroxide has a strong reaction with acids and can produce heat and dangerous gases. This reaction may cause fire or explosion.
3- Contact with water: sodium hydroxide has a strong reaction with water and can produce very dangerous gases. Therefore, direct contact with water should be avoided.
4- Skin contact: sodium hydroxide can cause skin irritation and dryness, and in some cases it may cause serious damage to the skin. Therefore, direct contact with the skin should be avoided and in case of contact, wash the skin with water.