Making Process of Caustic Soda http://chemicalcompaniess.

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Caustic Soda is popularly known as Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) which is a highly caustic metallic and strongest base in Chemistry. Physically it is a white crystalline substance and non volatile in aqueous solution available in flakes, pellets and granules. Its characteristics property makes it indispensable in a large number of chemical processes. It is soluble in water, ethanol and methanol but is insoluble in ether and non polar solvents. Caustic soda or sodium hydroxide is also known as lye and used in wide range of applications part of our daily lives such as in detergents, soaps and cleaners. In all household products small amount of caustic soda is present like in cleaners for carpeting and tiles because of the direct contact with human skin it creates irritation. This substance requires to handles with extra care because it is one of the hazardous and dangerous chemicals present on earth. Apart from the household products it is also used in many chemical industries as strong chemical base and in bulk often handled as an aqueous solution as it cheaper in comparison to other base chemicals. It is majoring used in the manufacturing of other chemicals and when it reacts with other metals produces hydrogen gas which ignites with oxygen present in the air. The manufacturing process of sodium hydroxide is simple but need extra care when it is carried out and the major method for producing caustic soda is electrolysis of concentrated brine (sodium chloride solution) which produces chloride gas, hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide. Reaction is carried out like: 2NaCl (aq) + 2H2O (l) ----- H2 (g) + Cl2 (g) + 2NaOH (aq) There are mainly three electrolysis processes of producing caustic soda such as Nelson diaphragm cell process, the Mercury cell process and Membrane cell process. The electrolyte route of making this substance by using sodium chloride as a raw material is a co-product process and this electrolysis process has over 95% of the capacity to produce chlorine and essentially 100% capacity to produce caustic soda. It provides the function of neutralization of acids, hydrolysis, condensation and saponification. Because of its numerous advantages and benefits it is highly demanded in various commercial purposes like in pulp, paper and textile industries. It helps to remove waxes and oil from fiber to make it more receptive to bleaching and dye. Caustic soda is also act as a significant raw material in the manufacture of polycarbonate, super absorbent polymer, zeolites, epoxy resins, sodium phosphates, sodium sulfite and a large number of sodium salts. It is highly corrosive and reactive chemical in nature so while dealing with this chemical on should wear gloves and uniform to cover as on direct contact it can be irritating to your skin and eyes.