Caustic soda flakes, also known
as sodium hydroxide flakes, are solid, white, crystalline flakes of sodium
hydroxide (NaOH). Here's a detailed overview along with its CAS number:
1. Chemical Name: Caustic Soda Flakes
2. Common Names: Sodium Hydroxide Flakes, Lye
Flakes
3. Chemical Formula: NaOH
4. CAS Number: 1310-73-2
5. Molecular Weight: Approximately 40.00 g/mol
6. Appearance: Caustic soda flakes are typically
white, opaque, crystalline flakes or granules.
7. Purity: Commercial grades of caustic soda flakes
typically have a purity of 98% or higher, with water and other impurities
present in small quantities.
8. Physical Properties:
- Melting
Point: Caustic soda flakes have a melting point of approximately 318°C (604°F).
- Solubility:
Caustic soda flakes are highly soluble in water, with the dissolution process
generating heat.
- Density: The density of caustic soda flakes is approximately 2.13 g/cm³.
9. Production:
- Caustic soda flakes are typically produced
through the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine) in a process called
the chlor-alkali process.
- In this process, sodium hydroxide is produced at
the cathode (negative electrode) and chlorine gas is produced at the anode
(positive electrode).
- The sodium hydroxide is then purified, concentrated, and solidified into flakes or granules.
10. Uses:
-
Chemical Manufacturing: Caustic soda flakes are used as a key raw material in
the production of various chemicals, including organic and inorganic compounds.
- Soap
and Detergent Industry: Caustic soda flakes are used in the saponification
process to produce soap from fats and oils. They are also used as an alkaline
builder in detergent formulations.
- Water
Treatment: Caustic soda flakes are used in water treatment processes for pH
adjustment, neutralization of acidic wastewater, and removal of heavy metals
through precipitation reactions.
-
Petroleum Industry: Caustic soda flakes are used in petroleum refining
processes, such as in the production of biodiesel, as well as in drilling muds
and well stimulation.
- Textile Industry: Caustic soda flakes are used in textile processing, particularly in mercerization, bleaching, and pH adjustment of fibers and fabrics.
11. Safety:
- Caustic
soda flakes are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes,
and respiratory tract upon contact.
- Proper
handling procedures, including the use of gloves, goggles, and protective
clothing, should be followed when working with caustic soda flakes.
- Spills
should be promptly cleaned up using appropriate absorbent materials and safety
equipment.
- Caustic soda flakes should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from heat, sunlight, and incompatible materials.
This detailed overview provides comprehensive information about caustic soda flakes, including their chemical properties, production methods, uses, and safety considerations.
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