Caustic soda is the most popular alkali in the world. It is classified in the group of strong chemical bases, as it completely dissociates (dissolves) in water.
Common use of caustic soda in industry:
All household washing agents, shampoo and soap have a certain amount of caustic soda added to them.
It can be used in the manufacture of paper, polyester fibre and cardboard
In aluminium manufacture, caustic soda is added for pickling metal.
Caustic soda is registered as a food additive (code E – 524). It is used to make crunchy crusts.
Soda solutions are used at food factories as a very powerful washing agent which breaks down fats. This component must be used in peeling fruit.
Solvents for unblocking pipes are also solutions of caustic soda.
Biodiesel fuel (a discovery in the field of ecology) – caustic is needed as a catalyst
Sodium hydroxide is used for testing reactions at chemical plants
It also has an interesting method of application in medicine – for burning off skin growths; after application a scab appears.