Product Description

Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is a versatile alkali. Its main uses are in the manufacture of pulp and paper, alumina, soap and detergents, petroleum products and chemical production. Around three-quarters of end use demand of caustic soda tracks GDP growth and, for this reason, the profitability of the industry is highly cyclical. The supply of caustic soda can be influenced by the chlorine derivatives markets since nearly all caustic soda is co-produced with chlorine. Caustic soda is produced by the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution using one of three cell types: Mercury, diaphragm and membrane cells. The electrolysis process produces 2.25 tonnes of 50% caustic soda with each tonne of chlorine. Caustic soda is a white, deliquescent solid in various forms with no odour. It is very soluble in ethyl alcohol and water. It is a strong base and reacts violently with acid. Contact with many organic and inorganic chemicals may cause fire or explosion.