Chris Wilson Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 I need to melt some sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and have already done some permanent damage to one of the wife's Pyrex dishes. What material will remain unaffected by melted (by heat) caustic soda that I might have about? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Bullitt Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Use high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) which are common around the house Other plastics will work too but you would have to look at its chemical resistance chart. Not all plastics will work. E2A https://www.calpaclab.com/chemical-compatibility-charts/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ripped_fear Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Use high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) which are common around the house Other plastics will work too but you would have to look at its chemical resistance chart. Not all plastics will work. E2A https://www.calpaclab.com/chemical-compatibility-charts/ We shall call you....heisenberg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted June 24, 2017 Author Share Posted June 24, 2017 Use high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) which are common around the house Other plastics will work too but you would have to look at its chemical resistance chart. Not all plastics will work. E2A https://www.calpaclab.com/chemical-compatibility-charts/ Melting point of sodium hydroxide is 316 degrees Celcius.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jot_ie Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Maybe a home foundry style melting crucible, for those temps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooquicktostop Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 It will not react with Iron so an iron bowl would be a suitable container Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheefa Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Who you disposing of this time Chris? Someone who rolled up to Wilson Towers with 20inch alloys?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 As a Chemistry Graduate I'd recommend you use a stainless pan. For god sake and your own don't use you wifes best aluminium kitchenware as that'd dissolve. You might even get away with mild steel if its not long term containment potential you are seeking, try an old bean can first before hitting the kitchen stuff. NaOH is pretty nasty stuff in solid pelet form, molten I'd make sure you have steel gloves and a full face perspex shield. Molten NaOH will go through skin quicker than it will aluminium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Bullitt Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Melting point of sodium hydroxide is 316 degrees Celcius.... Sorry Chris I misread, I thought you were looking to store it. Can you get access to a crucible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 What are you actually doing with it Chris? ...or shouldn't we ask:innocent: if its just stripping paint a strong solution wont need much heat, used old type galvanized tanks with caustic before for stripping pine etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted June 24, 2017 Author Share Posted June 24, 2017 Stripping the enamel off vintage Litz wire (multi strand wire, each strand enamel insulated, and wound in a special weave. It enhances the "skin effect" whereby RF current only flows on the skin depth of a conductor). It's from the pre `elf `n' safety era where it needs "nasty stuff" to strip it and so far molten sodium hydroxide seems the only way. I will turn a recess in a piece of steel plate and try that, thanks! Dissolving a 20 inch rim fan indeed! I haven't anything big enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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