CAUSTIC SODA
Caustic soda is prepared in chemical industries as it is excessively
used in various industrial applications.
In Pakistan, 435,000 mega ton caustic soda is prepared.
Sitara chemicals produce 42% of caustic soda. Ittehad
chemicals being second largest contributor producing 33%.
Engro polymer taking third place by producing 23% and
Nimir industrial chemicals produce 2% to compete.
Introduction
Caustic soda is also known as sodium hydroxide.
It is an inorganic compound.
Its general formula is NaOH.
It is a white solid ionic compound.
It is odorless.
It readily dissolves in water.
It is corrosive in nature.
Manufacturing processes
Caustic soda is generally manufactured by three
methods:
Castner-Kellner process
Nelson Diaphragm cell
Loewig's process
APPLICATIONS
Caustic soda is used in different industries like:
Agriculture industry
Paper and pulp industry
Soap, detergent and cleanser
Synthetic rubber
Rayon industry
Pharmaceuticals
Oil and gas drilling
Textile finishing process