Caustic Soda Liquid
Caustic Soda Introduction
Caustic soda (excluding solutions containing not more than 5% caustic soda) is designated as a deleterious substance and it is corrosive strongly. Persons who handle caustic soda should learn about related laws and regulations (such as the Poisonous and Deleterious Substance Control Law), its properties, and precautions on handling; and should observe them to ensure safety.
Caustic soda is the most typical of the strong alkalis. Although there is no dan-ger of it exploding or igniting, it reacts with various acids, such as hydrochloric acid, and is neutralized and generates considerable exothermic heat of neutral-ization.
It corrodes metals, such as aluminum, tin, and zinc. During this process, it generates hydrogen, which has the potential to behave as an explosive gas.
It is highly hygroscopic, and absorbs the moisture, carbon dioxide, or sulfur dioxide in the air. It is also highly deliquescent and absorbs moisture to form an aqueous solution.
Caustic soda easily decomposes animal fibers. Although plant fibers are also decomposed, they have a higher resistance than animal fibers. Although materials resistant to corrosion by caustic soda include stainless steel, steel-epoxy resins, and fiber-reinforced plastics, steel and rubber-lined steel are the most frequently used.
