- Sodium Hydroxide is one of the strongest bases among chemical compounds.
- It has strong hygroscopic properties and when it dissolves, it is strongly corrosive.
- Sodium Hydroxide is used in the chemical, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, among others.
- As a food additive, it is an acidity regulator with the symbol E524.
Foodcom S.A. offers a wide range of chemical additives. They have a wide range of properties and numerous applications in many industries. Of particular note is undoubtedly Sodium Hydroxide, which thanks to its properties can be used not only in the chemical industry.
What is Sodium Hydroxide?
Sodium Hydroxide is also called Caustic Soda and belongs to the inorganic compounds. It is one of the strongest bases among chemical compounds. On an industrial scale, Sodium Hydroxide is obtained by electrolysis of brine using membrane technology. If you want to learn more about the properties and applications of sodium hydroxide, read on!
Sodium Hydroxide – properties
Sodium Hydroxide in solid form is a white crystalline substance. On the other hand, a 50% solution of Sodium Hydroxide is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid called Sodium Hydroxide solution. In this form, it has a corrosive effect on metals. It is also characterized by a higher viscosity than water. Sodium Hydroxide in liquid form reacts with acids, non-metal oxides and hydroxides to form sodium salts.
Its characteristic feature is hygroscopicity. Sodium Hydroxide is very soluble in water. When it dissolves, it gives off heat and forms Sodium Hydroxide solution, which is very corrosive. It also combines readily with carbon dioxide. Foodcom S.A. offers Sodium Hydroxide 50% in IBC tanks or tankers and has a shelf life of two years.
Sodium Hydroxide applications
Sodium Hydroxide is used in many industries. It is useful in:
- chemical industry,
- food industry,
- cosmetic industry,
- pharmaceutical industry,
- paper industry.
Sodium Hydroxide is widely used in the chemical industry. It is used for the production of many detergents, soaps and washing agents. It is also used for pipe dewatering and water treatment. In the food industry it is an acidity regulator.
Sodium Hydroxide also finds its application in the production of medicines: painkillers, anticoagulants or cholesterol-lowering agents. And as a component of cosmetics, it is a pH regulator, has a bactericidal effect and is a strong cleaning agent. It is also important in paper manufacturing because it breaks lignin bonds. In the textile industry, on the other hand, Sodium Hydroxide is used to bleach and fix dyes.
Sodium Hydroxide in food
Sodium Hydroxide as a food additive has the symbol E524. As mentioned above, it is an acidity regulator, more specifically, it reduces the acidity of products by increasing the pH. Want to learn more about other functional food additives? Then be sure to read our article!
Sodium Hydroxide is found in salty snacks like pretzels and finger foods. Its addition makes the products crispier. Sodium Hydroxide solution is also used to wash fruits and vegetables and to remove the peel before canning. This chemical compound is also found in: olives, desserts containing cocoa or chocolate, baked goods, ice cream or soft drinks.
Sodium Hydroxide also helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in food, so it acts as a preservative.
Sodium Hydroxide in cosmetics
Sodium Hydroxide is also used in the cosmetics industry. It has a strong cleansing effect and is therefore included in the composition of cosmetics such as scrubs, exfoliating masks and skin cleansing gels. Sodium Hydroxide is essential in cleansing and exfoliating cosmetics because the pH must be kept within a strict range for maximum effectiveness. It is also used in the manufacture of products for removing cuticles.
Sodium Hydroxide is also found in hair care and smoothing products. It is found in bath lotions, shaving cream or hair dyes.
As you can easily see, sodium hydroxide has many different uses. If you think it can boost your business too, be sure to contact Foodcom S.A.!
Why Foodcom?
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