The role and prevention of sodium hydroxide
2022-04-26
What is sodium hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide is an alkaline chemical known for its causticity. When you use it, sodium hydroxide can damage the surfaces it touches, including your skin. In fact, it is so corrosive that people wear protective gear when using it.
To make sodium hydroxide, hardwoods are burned at high temperatures to make white ash. They then use a mixture of water and baking soda to penetrate the ash and help remove the sodium hydroxide from the ash. Next, filter out the ashes. This leaves enough sodium hydroxide to make soap and dissolve the fat in animal hides.
The dangers of sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide corrodes many things, such as metals, plastics, paints, fabrics, and your skin. It's even more dangerous if you get the sodium hydroxide wet. Mixing with water can cause fire.
Why do people use sodium hydroxide?
People use sodium hydroxide in a variety of products that you may use in your home every day. For example, sewer cleaners contain sodium hydroxide, as do paint strippers and silver brighteners. But the most common use of sodium hydroxide is in soaps.
What precautions do people take while using sodium hydroxide?
For those who use sodium hydroxide themselves. Sodium hydroxide is a very serious chemical and it is wise to handle it with caution if you plan to use it.
Here are some precautions you should take when handling sodium hydroxide:
Use goggles and gloves when mixing sodium hydroxide
Cover the surface area where you use the newspaper
If you get burned while using it, apply vinegar to the area to help relieve the pain
Don't lean on the sodium hydroxide mixture, but stand back a little and don't inhale the fumes
Use only heat-resistant containers when mixing sodium hydroxide or they may crack or melt allowing the sodium hydroxide to escape
Have an existing water source nearby to prevent burns
Never leave sodium hydroxide unattended
Wash hands thoroughly after handling sodium hydroxide, as even an invisible particle can cause severe irritation
How does sodium hydroxide work in soap?
Sodium hydroxide is mixed with oil and saponified to become soap. At the beginning of the soap making process, you will mix water, oil, and sodium hydroxide. As the chemical hardens, the liquid turns into a bar of soap. If you cure the soap for three to four weeks, there will be no oil, water or sodium hydroxide left in the soap.
Can you make soap without sodium hydroxide?
Even though it is scientifically proven that sodium hydroxide is not a threat to us because it is not present in the soap bars we use, some people insist on trying to make soap bars without sodium hydroxide. The only alternative to sodium hydroxide is potassium hydroxide. You can use this chemical in soap making, but it won't create a tough bar of soap. Instead, soaps made with this alternative chemical are soft liquids.
