Second-Largest Chlor-alkali Producer in the World
Westlake is the second-largest Chlor-alkali (chlorine and caustic soda) producer in the world, which capitalizes on globally low-cost natural gas for power in North America. Westlake is also one of the largest global producers of caustic soda, which is a key building block for aluminum and polyurethanes.
To view Chlor-alkali Product Specification & Product Stewardship Summary sheets, click HERE.
To view Muriatic Acid Product Specific & Product Stewardship Summary sheets, click HERE.
What is Caustic Soda?
Caustic soda is the chemical compound sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This compound is an alkali – a type of base that can neutralize acids and is soluble in water. Today, caustic soda can be manufactured in the form of pellets, flakes, powders, solutions, and more.
A co-product of the chlorine manufacturing process, caustic soda has been used for decades to create products that enhance our lives every day. Chlorine is used in the manufacture of VCM and PVC and is a key component used in water treatment by municipalities and in swimming pools.
Types of Caustic Soda Products
Caustic soda has become a common ingredient in the production of many everyday items, like soaps and detergents. Commonly known as lye, it has been used to make soap for centuries, and its ability to dissolve grease makes it a common ingredient in oven cleaners and products used to unclog drains.
Sodium hydroxide also plays a key role in processing wood pulp to create paper and cardboard boxes, which have become increasingly essential over the course of the global COVID-19 pandemic as medical supplies are shipped long distances.
The chemical compound is also used to break down the sedimentary rock that aluminum is extracted from. The mineral then goes on to be used in a number of items like construction materials, automobiles and consumer goods like food packaging and soda cans.
One perhaps unexpected use for caustic soda is in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals like blood thinners and cholesterol medication.
A versatile water treatment product, sodium hydroxide is often used to maintain the safety and cleanliness of pools by removing harmful metals like lead and copper. As a base, sodium hydroxide lowers acidity, regulating water's pH. Additionally, the compound can be used to create sodium hypochlorite, which further disinfects water.
