Uses of Sodium hydroxide
• In the manufacture of soap, paper, viscose rayon (artificial silk), organic dyestuffs, and many other chemicals.
• In the refining of petroleum and vegetable oils.
• In the purification of bauxite for the extraction of aluminum.
• As a cleansing agent and in washing powder for machines, metal sheets etc. It is too caustic to be used in washing clothes or hands.
• For mercerizing cotton.
• As a reagent in the laboratory.
• In reclaiming rubber.
• In the preparation of soda lime.
