Lye is a caustic, alkaline chemical that is useful for many purposes but also is hazardous. It can dissolve sticky substances such as fat and has a high degree of reactivity with other materials.
History
Before the modern manufacture of lye, people were able to make it out of raw materials. For thousands of years, people have used types of it for making soap and tanning hides. They burned certain hardwoods at a very high temperature to make white ashes. Water, mixed with a bit of baking soda, then was used to penetrate the ashes and remove the lye that they contained. When the ashes were filtered out, the water would hold enough material for purposes such as dissolving the fat left on animal furs or mixing with other ingredients to make body soap.
Production
Sodium hydroxide is created using a chemical reaction between soda, or sodium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide, or lime. In raw form, it is made into solid flakes, chips or grains. Chemical suppliers provide sodium hydroxide to manufacturers for use in the making of a wide variety of products, such as fabric, paper, hand soap, metal polishers and drain de-cloggers.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sometimes referred to as lye, sodium hydroxide(NaOH) is a chemical compound with a high alkaline content. The properties of the chemical make it ideal for use in a number of different applications, including the manufacture of cleaning products, water purification, and the manufacture of paper products.
This lye compound can be utilized in many different types of products used in the home as well as in manufacturing and other industrial settings. Around the house, there is a good chance that the soaps used for bathing, in the dishwasher and to do laundry contain some amount of sodium hydroxide(CAS:1310-73-2). Household cleaners for carpeting and tile may also have some trace amounts of the compound as well. The actual amount used in these types of products is very little, making it highly unlikely that contact with the skin will result in some type of irritation.
The use of sodium hydroxide in many other products is common. Some hair products, such as relaxers, contain small amounts. Drain cleaners often make use of the compound, as it will help dissolve clogs with relative ease. The chemical also helps to bleach pulp to a pristine white, making it essential to the production of many paper products.
Dangers Of Lye
This is one of many poisonous products that can be found in homes and that should be kept out of the reach of children and used only as directed. For example, a person should carefully follow the directions to clean sterling silver with a lye-based polish, because even the fumes can be dangerous. These products such as drain de-cloggers and paint stripper should never be used without proper air circulation.
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