Applications
Sodium hydroxide flake is widely used in a variety of large scale applications such as pulp and paper manufacturing, in the production of soap and detergents as well as in water treatment plants. It is used in the Bayer process of aluminum manufacture as well as to remove sulfurous impurities from crude oil. It is also used in the manufacture of biodiesel, rayon and cellophane; as a catalyst for the trans esterification of methanol and triglycerides and as paint stripper on wooden objects. It is mainly used for pH control, acid neutralization, off-gas scrubbing and as a catalyst in various industries like pharmaceutical, agrochemical, dyes, paints and polymer. It is also used in refining vegetable oils, rubber reclamation, metal processing, metal degreasing, adhesive preparations, paint removers, disinfectants, rubber latex stabilizers and in the stabilization of sodium hypochlorite.

Notes
Air sensitive and hygroscopic. It is deliquescent and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide in air. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and organic materials.