2e. Caustic Soda
Soap Manufacturing > 2. Raw Materials
CAUSTIC SODA
For Saponification and Neutralization reactions, Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly referred as caustic soda, is used in water solution with a variable concentration.
Caustic soda is sold in solid form (flakes, pearls or cylindrical shapes) or in water solution at 49-50%. Dissolution of solid caustic soda in water generates an exothermic reaction in which a big amount of heat is liberated. Caustic soda is highly corrosive and very dangerous for human contact. For this reason it is strongly recommended the use of rubber gloves and eye protection.
Density / Concentration of caustic soda solution (in water)
TEMPERATURE | ||||||
20°C | 30°C | 40°C | 60°C | 80°C | 100°C | |
CONCENTRATION | DENSITY Kg/Liter | |||||
24% | 1.2629 | 1.2570 | 1.2512 | 1.2388 | 1.2259 | 1.2124 |
28% | 1.3064 | 1.3003 | 1.2942 | 1.2814 | 1.2682 | 1.2546 |
32% | 1.3490 | 1.3426 | 1.3362 | 1.3232 | 1.3097 | 1.2960 |
36% | 1.3900 | 1.3834 | 1.3768 | 1.3634 | 1.3498 | 1.3360 |
40% | 1.4300 | 1.4232 | 1.4164 | 1.4027 | 1.3889 | 1.3750 |
44% | 1.4685 | 1.4615 | 1.4545 | 1.4405 | 1.4266 | 1.4127 |
48% | 1.5065 | 1.4993 | 1.4922 | 1.4781 | 1.4641 | 1.4503 |
50% | 1.5253 | 1.5181 | 1.5109 | 1.4967 | 1.4827 | 1.4690 |