Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)
Chelora Chemicals supplies Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH, CAS 1310-73-2) in flake, pearl and liquid (lye) forms, the primary strong alkali used across pulp & paper, soap & detergent, textile, water treatment and chemical neutralisation industries. Export shipments are configured to each buyer's preferred form and concentration, moving in bulk from Indonesia with the handling documentation strong-alkali shipments require.
What Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) is, and why buyers source it
Caustic Soda is the workhorse strong alkali of industrial chemistry, supplied in solid and liquid forms to match each buyer's handling infrastructure and consumption rate, from large continuous-process liquid tankage to bagged solid for smaller-volume or intermittent use.
Flake and pearl grades suit buyers without liquid storage and handling infrastructure or with lower consumption volumes, while 32% and 48% liquid (lye) grades suit high-volume continuous processes such as pulp bleaching and detergent manufacture, avoiding the energy cost of on-site dissolution.
Caustic Soda is the standard base used to neutralise acidic process streams, saponify fats and oils in soap manufacture, and adjust pH across water and wastewater treatment systems.
How Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Caustic Soda is manufactured by the chlor-alkali electrolysis of saturated sodium chloride (brine) solution, using membrane-cell technology, co-producing chlorine gas and hydrogen.
Membrane cell voltage, brine purity and evaporator staging are controlled to deliver consistent NaOH concentration and low chloride carryover, whether the final product is finished as liquid lye or further concentrated and flaked into solid form.
Industries and processes that use it
Caustic Soda's applications span pulp & paper, soaps & detergents, textiles, water treatment and general chemical manufacturing.
Pulp & Paper
Used in the kraft pulping process and in pulp bleaching to dissolve lignin and brighten fibre.
Soap & Detergent Manufacture
Saponification agent reacting with fats and oils to produce soap, and a pH-adjusting component in detergent formulations.
Textile Processing
Used in fabric mercerising and in scouring processes to remove natural fibre impurities.
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Standard alkali for pH correction and neutralisation of acidic effluent streams.
Chemical Manufacturing
Neutralising agent and reagent across a wide range of downstream chemical processes, including alumina refining.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
Caustic Soda acts as a strong base, dissociating fully in water to supply hydroxide ion for neutralisation, saponification and digestion reactions.
Controlled Dissolution / Addition
Solid NaOH is dissolved (strongly exothermic) or liquid lye is added directly to the process stream.
Hydroxide-Driven Reaction
Hydroxide ion drives neutralisation, saponification, or fibre/ore digestion depending on application.
Endpoint Reached
Process stream pH or reaction endpoint is reached; excess alkali may be recovered or further neutralised downstream.
Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) against other amines we supply
Caustic Soda is referenced across Chelora's catalogue as the standard industrial alkali for neutralisation and processing.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) | 1310-73-2 | Strong industrial alkali | The product on this page — the standard alkali for neutralisation and processing. |
| Sodium Sulphate | 7757-82-6 | Inorganic sulphate salt | A related co-product of chlor-alkali-adjacent chemistry — see its product page. |
| Dimethyl Sulfate | 77-78-1 | Alkylating agent | An industrial reagent neutralised with alkali after use — see its product page. |
| Potassium Chloride | 7447-40-7 | Alkali-metal halide salt | An alternative alkali-metal salt feedstock — see its product page. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide, not a specification sheet, for products other than Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide).
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
May be corrosive to metals.
Dust mask (solid) / standard ventilation (liquid).
Chemical splash goggles and face shield required.
Acid/alkali-resistant gloves and apron.
Add solid to water slowly, never water to solid.
Corrosion-resistant containers, dry area.
Neutralise with dilute acid under controlled conditions.
Caustic Soda is a strongly corrosive alkali causing severe skin and eye burns on contact, and solid-to-water dissolution is strongly exothermic. Chelora Chemicals packs and ships it with chemical-resistant containers, full safety documentation, and handling guidance emphasising the correct addition order (solid added slowly to water, never the reverse) and full PPE for all personnel handling the material.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store solid grades in sealed, moisture-resistant packaging away from acids and reactive metals. Store liquid grades in corrosion-resistant tanks, noting that 48% lye can crystallise below approximately 12°C and may require heating or insulation.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by titration/GC), colour and relevant physical constants, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade of Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Caustic Soda used for?+
02What forms does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
03Is Caustic Soda dangerous to handle?+
04How is Caustic Soda packed for export?+
05What is the difference between flake and liquid Caustic Soda?+
06Can 48% liquid Caustic Soda freeze during shipping?+
07What is the typical lead time for export orders?+
08Does Chelora Chemicals provide a Certificate of Analysis?+
09What packaging and delivery options are available for liquid Caustic Soda?+
10Is Caustic Soda corrosive to shipping containers?+
Need Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.