Supplier of Caustic Soda Flakes (Sodium Hydroxide-NaOH) from Turkey & UAE
What Are Caustic Soda Flakes?
Caustic soda flakes are the high-purity solid form of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), one of the most essential alkaline chemicals used in modern industrial manufacturing. These white, hygroscopic crystalline flakes deliver powerful chemical reactivity, making them indispensable for processes ranging from water treatment and soap production to petroleum refining and alumina extraction.
As an established caustic soda flakes supplier, we manufacture and export NaOH flakes that consistently meet stringent international purity standards, with verified content of 98%-99%. Unlike liquid caustic soda solutions, the solid flake form offers clear operational advantages: superior storage stability, significantly reduced transportation costs, and precise dosing capabilities that batch processing operations demand.
The chemical formula NaOH represents a compound with a molecular weight of 40.00 g/mol, characterized by strong alkalinity (pH 12–14 in solution) and a highly exothermic reaction when dissolved in water. For procurement managers and chemical engineers evaluating a sodium hydroxide supplier, understanding these core specifications is critical for process optimization, safety planning, and regulatory compliance.
Looking for a reliable supply partner? Request a quote from our technical team
Physical and Chemical Properties
A thorough understanding of sodium hydroxide flake properties is essential for safe handling, accurate process design, and effective industrial application. The table below summarizes the key specifications that buyers and engineers should evaluate when selecting a product and supplier.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | NaOH |
| Molar Mass | 40.00 g/mol |
| Appearance | White, flat crystalline flakes |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 2.13 g/cm³ (solid state) |
| Melting Point | 318 °C (604 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 1,388 °C (decomposes) |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble — up to 1,110 g/L at 20 °C |
| pH (1% solution) | 12–14 |
| Heat of Dissolution | −44.5 kJ/mol (strongly exothermic) |
| Hygroscopicity | Rapidly absorbs moisture from the air |
| Reactivity | Reacts vigorously with acids, aluminum, zinc, tin, and organic materials |
| Corrosiveness | Highly corrosive to skin, eyes, metals, and organic tissue |
| UN Classification | UN 1823, Class 8 (Corrosive Substance) |
These properties make NaOH flakes a foundational base chemical for pH regulation, acid neutralization, chemical synthesis, and industrial cleaning across dozens of sectors.
How Are Caustic Soda Flakes Manufactured?
Commercial sodium hydroxide flakes are produced through the chlor-alkali electrolysis process, which remains the global industry standard due to its efficiency, scalability, and high product purity.
Step 1: Electrolysis of Brine
A purified sodium chloride (NaCl) solution — known as brine — undergoes electrolysis in a membrane cell. This electrochemical reaction produces three outputs: sodium hydroxide solution at the cathode, chlorine gas at the anode, and hydrogen gas as a byproduct.
Step 2: Concentration and Purification
The dilute NaOH solution (typically 30–35% concentration) is transferred to multi-effect evaporators, where water is progressively removed. During this stage, trace impurities, including sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, and iron are reduced to meet target purity levels.
Step 3: Flake Formation
The concentrated molten NaOH is fed onto cooled rotating drum flakers or belt flakers. As the melt contacts the chilled surface, it solidifies into thin, uniform flakes that are then scraped off and collected.
Step 4: Drying and Packaging
Finished flakes undergo final moisture removal before being sealed in multi-layer, moisture-resistant packaging. Proper packaging is critical because NaOH is highly hygroscopic — exposure to humid air causes rapid degradation and caking.
As a vertically integrated caustic soda flakes supplier, we control quality at every stage of this process, from raw brine purification through final packaging and export documentation.
Available Grades
Sodium hydroxide flakes are manufactured in several purity grades, each designed to meet the specific technical, regulatory, and safety requirements of different industries. Choosing the correct grade is essential for product performance, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.
Technical Grade (96–98% NaOH)
The most economical option, suitable for general industrial applications including soap manufacturing, textile scouring, and basic water treatment where ultra-high purity is not required.
Industrial Grade (98–99% NaOH)
Our most requested grade. Used extensively in oil refining, alumina extraction (Bayer process), pulp and paper production, and heavy chemical manufacturing. This grade offers the optimal balance of purity, performance, and cost for large-scale operations.
Food Grade (≥99% NaOH)
Produced under strict GMP conditions and approved for controlled food processing applications such as olive curing, chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables, pretzel glazing, and Clean-In-Place (CIP) sanitation systems in dairy and beverage facilities.
Pharmaceutical Grade (≥99.5% NaOH)
Manufactured to pharmacopoeia standards (USP/EP) for use in drug synthesis, cosmetic formulations, and healthcare products requiring documented high purity and full traceability.
Reagent / Laboratory Grade (≥99.5% NaOH)
Designed for analytical chemistry, laboratory research, and R&D applications where precise and certifiable purity is mandatory.
Caustic Soda Flakes vs. Pearls vs. Liquid: Which Form Should You Choose?
One of the most common questions procurement teams ask when evaluating a caustic soda flakes supplier is how flakes compare to other available forms. Here is a practical comparison to guide your selection.
| Factor | Flakes | Pearls (Prills) | Liquid (50% Solution) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NaOH Content | 98–99% | 98–99% | 48–50% |
| Dissolution Speed | Fast (high surface area) | Moderate | Immediate (pre-dissolved) |
| Storage Life | 12+ months (sealed) | 12+ months (sealed) | 6–12 months |
| Transport Cost | Low (concentrated solid) | Low (concentrated solid) | High (shipping 50% water) |
| Dust Generation | Moderate | Low | None |
| Dosing Precision | Excellent for batch processes | Good | Best for continuous dosing |
| Packaging Options | 25 kg bags, 1.25 MT FIBCs | 25 kg bags, 1 MT FIBCs | IBC tanks, ISO tanks |
| Best For | Soap making, water treatment, textile processing, oil & gas | Cleaning products, food processing | Continuous industrial processes, large-scale water treatment |
Key insight: Flakes are often the preferred choice for operations that require high-purity solid NaOH, flexible batch dosing, and cost-effective international shipping. Their high surface area means faster dissolution compared to pearls. At the same time, their solid form eliminates the freight penalty of shipping water — a significant advantage for overseas buyers working with an export-focused caustic soda flakes supplier.
Where Are Caustic Soda Flakes Used?
While many know it for cleaning, Caustic Soda Flakes are the “heavy lifters” of the chemical world. Their ability to act as a strong base, a nucleophile, and a precipitant makes them vital across a vast spectrum of industries.
Soap and Detergent Manufacturing
This is the most recognizable use of Caustic Soda Flakes. Through a process called saponification, sodium hydroxide flakes react with fats and oils to convert them into soap and glycerol. High-quality flakes ensure the soap is firm and cures correctly. They are also the primary alkaline agent in anionic surfactants (like LABSA) used in laundry powders and industrial detergents.
Oil and Gas (Drilling Muds)
In the energy sector, sodium hydroxide flakes are critical for formulating Drilling Fluids (Mud). They are used to:
- Control pH: Maintaining a high pH prevents the mud from becoming acidic and corroding the drill bit.
- Neutralize Acid Gases: They effectively neutralize Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) encountered in rock formations.
- Disperse Clays: They help dissolve and disperse clays, ensuring the drilling fluid maintains the correct viscosity.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Municipalities and factories rely on Caustic Soda Flakes for regulatory compliance.
- pH Neutralization: It raises the pH of acidic industrial wastewater before it is discharged.
- Heavy Metal Precipitation: By increasing alkalinity, it traps hazardous metals (like lead and copper) as solid hydroxides, allowing them to be filtered out easily.
- Water Softening: It aids in the removal of calcium and magnesium hardness.
Pulp and Paper Production
The “Kraft process” is the dominant method for making paper, and sodium hydroxide flakes are its fuel. They are dissolved to create “White Liquor,” which digests wood chips. This chemical action separates the pure cellulose fibers from lignin (the glue holding wood together), creating the pulp needed for paper and cardboard. It is also used in the bleaching stage to brighten the final paper product.
Alumina and Aluminum Production
Before aluminum becomes a metal sheet, it starts as bauxite ore. The Bayer Process uses a strong solution of sodium hydroxide flakes to dissolve the alumina from the ore, separating it from impurities like “red mud.” Without this chemical digestion, the mass production of aluminum for cars and construction would be impossible.
Textile Processing (Mercerization)
Sodium hydroxide flakes are essential in the textile industry for processing cotton. In a process called mercerization, cotton fabric is treated with a caustic solution. This swells the fibers, resulting in:
- Increased tensile strength.
- Better absorption of dyes (brighter colors).
- A smoother, lustrous finish.
Food Industry Applications
Food-grade sodium hydroxide is strictly regulated but essential in several established food processing applications:
- Chemical peeling: Efficiently removes skins from potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables at industrial scale.
- Olive curing: Eliminates the natural bitter glucoside (oleuropein) from raw olives.
- Pretzel and bagel production: Creates the characteristic dark brown crust, chewy texture, and distinctive flavor through a brief alkaline bath before baking.
- CIP sanitation: Dissolves fats, proteins, and biofilms in dairy, brewery, and beverage processing pipelines.
Chemical Synthesis and Pharmaceuticals
As a fundamental feedstock, sodium hydroxide flakes are used to manufacture a wide array of other chemicals, including solvents, plastics, and synthetic fibers. In the pharmaceutical sector, they are used to synthesize common drugs like aspirin, anticoagulants, and cholesterol-reducing medications by neutralizing acidic components during reaction phases.
Global Logistics & Dangerous Goods Compliance
Packaging Specifications
| Package Type | Net Weight | Material Construction | Container Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bags | 25 kg | Multi-layer PE/PP laminated, heat-sealed | 1,000 bags (25 MT) |
| Jumbo Bags (FIBC) | 1,250 kg | UV-stabilized with PE liner | 20 bags (25 MT) |
| Palletized Units | 1,000 kg | 40×25kg bags per pallet | 25 pallets (25 MT) |
Export Documentation
Every shipment includes complete documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance and regulatory compliance at destination:
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — compliant with GHS, REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006, and OSHA HazCom 2012
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) — batch-specific purity, moisture, and impurity testing results
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) — required for sea and air freight bookings
- Certificate of Origin (CO) — for customs duty and trade agreement purposes
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List — detailed shipment specifications
- IMDG Code compliance documentation — for ocean freight carriers
Our strategically positioned production and warehousing facilities enable efficient export to markets across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia with competitive freight rates and reliable delivery schedules.
Safety, Handling & Storage Protocols
Storage Requirements
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Maintain in original, unopened moisture-proof containers until use
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Store in cool, dry, ventilated areas (temperature <30°C, humidity <60%)
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Separate from acids, aluminum, zinc, and organic materials
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Use corrosion-resistant shelving systems
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Maximum stack height: 3 pallets for stability
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or nitrile, ≥0.4mm thickness)
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Face shield and chemical splash goggles
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Corrosion-resistant apron or coverall
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Closed-toe chemical-resistant footwear
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Emergency eyewash station and safety shower within 10 meters
First Aid & Spill Response
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Skin Contact: Flush immediately with copious water for 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention.
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Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Immediate ophthalmological consultation required.
-
Spill Neutralization: Cover with absorbent material. Neutralize residue with dilute acetic acid or citric acid solution (pH 6-8) before water washing.
Why Partner With a Professional Caustic Soda Supplier
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Consistent Purity: Batch-tested 98-99% NaOH content with certificate of analysis
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Regulatory Compliance: Full REACH, CLP, and ADR documentation for European markets
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Flexible Quantities: From 25kg bags to 25 MT container loads with competitive volume pricing
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Technical Support: Application engineering assistance for process optimization
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Global Logistics: Dangerous goods certified shipping to 40+ countries
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Quality Assurance: ISO 9001 certified manufacturing with full traceability
Request Your Quotation
Our technical and commercial team is ready to provide competitive pricing, detailed product specifications, and logistics solutions tailored to your requirements.
To receive a quote, please provide:
- Required grade and purity
- Estimated quantity (per order and annual volume)
- Destination port or delivery address
- Preferred packaging format
- Any special documentation or certification requirements
📱 WhatsApp: +971 50 123 4567
✉️ Email: info@causticsodaco.com
🌐 Website: www.causticsodaco.com
FAQ
The key is safety and control due to the highly exothermic reaction.
- Use PPE: Always wear a face shield, chemical goggles, gloves, and an apron.
- Correct Order: ALWAYS add flakes slowly to water, never vice versa, to prevent a violent eruption.
- Control Heat: Use cool water and stir continuously to dissipate heat and prevent “hot spots.”
Yes. For sensitive applications like catalysis or pharmaceutical synthesis, we offer a Reagent Grade with a purity of ≥99.5%. This grade undergoes additional purification to minimize heavy metals (like Iron and Nickel) to levels below 10 ppm. Contact our technical team to discuss your specific CoA requirements.
Caking is caused by moisture absorption. To prevent it:
- Store bags in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse.
- Use first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management.
- Keep bags sealed and on pallets, away from damp floors and walls.
If caking occurs, the product is still chemically active but may require mechanical breaking.
Absolutely. Our flakes are classified under UN 1823, Class 8 (Corrosive). We package them in 25 kg, multi-layer, waterproof polypropylene bags that are fully compliant with IMDG Code regulations for sea transport. We provide all necessary dangerous goods documentation for smooth shipping.
Our standard technical grade Caustic Soda Flakes have a minimum assay of 99.0-99.3% NaOH. The primary impurities are trace amounts of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl). We provide a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with each shipment to ensure it meets your process specifications.
Specification of Caustic Soda Flakes
| CONTENT | TEST RESULT | UNIT |
|---|---|---|
| Al2O3 | Max 3 | PPM |
| Fe | 10 | PPM |
| Heavy Metals as Pb | Max 2 | PPM |
| Insoluble in Water | 0 | %W |
| Na2CO3 | 0.43 | %W |
| Na2SO4 | 0.0047 | %W |
| NaCl | 0.0085 | %W |
| NaOH | 98%±1 | %W |
| SiO2 | 0.0019 | %W |
| SHAPE | 0.3-1 | CM³ |
For Download Technical Data Sheets of Caustic Soda Flakes (Click Here)
