A Look at Some Common Uses of Caustic Soda

Founded in 1998, FSTI, Inc., has grown in volume or revenue every year since then. A leading manufacturer and distributor of chlor-alkali chemicals, FSTI operates in six states to offer a range of manufacturing, trucking, selling, and distribution services. The company produces several chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing, among them hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda.

FSTI produces caustic soda in concentrations of up to 32 percent by weight, and it can source the chemical in concentrations up to 50 percent by weight. A versatile alkali chemical, caustic soda has broad applications, primarily in the production of petroleum products, pulp and paper, aluminum, and soap and detergent.

A white, odorless solid, caustic soda appeared in soap-making recipes as early as the late 13th century. Early recipes called for passing water repeatedly through a mixture of alkali and calcium oxide to form a solution of sodium hydroxide. By the 20th century, electrolysis had become the common production method; in this process, chemical decomposition occurs when an electrical current passes through a solution of sodium chloride (table salt), yielding chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. The Food and Drug Administration-approved chemical is generally classified as safe for household use when handled properly.

An effective ingredient in many drain cleaners, caustic soda can transmute hard fat and grease buildup into dissolvable soap. The chemical can also help eliminate certain nucleic acids and proteins, killing many viruses on contact. Additionally, it removes many microorganisms and gets rid of yeast and fungi. Because it is accessible, affordable, and easy to dispose of, caustic soda has become a critical element in sanitation across a variety of industries.

Caustic soda can cause burns when it comes into direct contact with the skin, and thus it should be handled with extreme care. In particular, eye protection can help prevent damage or irritation from fumes.

In addition to cleaning applications, caustic soda appears as an ingredient in medical supplies. For example, many pain relievers contain caustic soda, as do anticoagulants and various prescriptions that help patients maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Common brand names with sodium hydroxide include Aspir-Low, Nexium, Didanosine, and Sutent.

At smaller concentrations, caustic soda makes many household beauty products more effective. For example, because it has the ability to stabilize pH levels, it can aid hair products in reducing acidity on the scalp, hair, and skin. Additionally, it can help neutralize pH levels on the scalp when the oil from hands mixes with the hair product.

Finally, caustic soda comprises a key element in creating various types of bagels and pretzels. Before the pretzels or bagels are baked, they are dipped in an extremely diluted concentration of caustic soda. Unlike the caustic soda used in manufacturing and cleaning, food-grade caustic soda has been produced and packaged in a manner that makes it safe for consumption.

Bathing the bread in caustic soda (also known as lye) changes the heat-activated reaction between amino acids and sugar in the dough. Specifically, the caustic soda bath breaks down the proteins in the dough and thus changes the ratio of protein to sugar. This typically results in the pretzel’s deep-brown crust, chewy interior, and distinctive taste.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3AZiY02
via IFTTT