Micro-Perle de Soude (Sodium Hydroxide)

Information

Chemical Composition:

• Mainly composed of 99% sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

• No other additives or impurities.

Use in Soapmaking / Cold Saponification:

In cold saponification, fats (oils and butters) are transformed into solid soap by reacting with caustic soda. The quantity of soda required is calculated by multiplying the quantity of each oil by its saponification value. It's crucial to weigh soda ash and oils accurately, use proper safety equipment and follow recommended procedures for preparation and mixing.

Properties and benefits :

• Fast, uniform dissolution.
• Easy handling and precise dosage.
• Reduces the risk of poor chemical reactions due to improper incorporation of ingredients.

Conservation:

Caustic soda microbeads can be stored for 2 years in an airtight container, sealed with a childproof cap, in a cool, dry place away from humidity. It is crucial to keep the product out of the reach of children and pets, and to label the container properly.

Safety Precautions:

• Use of respirator, safety goggles, gloves, long-sleeved clothing, pants and closed shoes when handling (link to Safety Equipment category).
• Always add soda to water, not the other way round, to avoid dangerous splashes.
• Make sure the work area is well ventilated.
• Avoid exposure to moisture to prevent clumping.

Preparation of the soda solution :

Prepare and Weigh Ingredients :

Step 1 - Weigh distilled water

• Use a glass or polypropylene plastic container. Use a precision electronic scale.
• Measure the distilled water or other liquid (e.g. beer, etc.) required for your recipe. Be careful not to use aluminum containers, as they react with the soda.
• In saponification, all measurements, including those for liquids, must be made by weight (grams, ounces).

Step 2 - Weigh caustic soda

• A precise electronic scale.
• Weigh out the exact quantity of Micro Perle de Soude needed for your recipe.

Mix the water and soda:

Step 3 - Add caustic soda to water

• Important: Always add soda to water and never the other way round, to avoid dangerous splashes.
• Gradually stir the soda into the water using a stainless steel or wooden spoon, taking care not to splash.
• Safety: Avoid inhaling vapours from the mixture, which may be irritating.

Step 4 - Stir the mixture

• Gently stir the mixture until the soda has completely dissolved. The mixture will heat up and may give off steam or bubbles, which is normal as the chemical reaction to dissolve the soda releases heat.

Cooling and soaping :

Step 5 - Cool the solution

• After mixing well, cover the container and place it in a safe place to cool (window sill, etc.). NEVER LEAVE YOUR PREPARATION WITHIN THE REACH OF CHILDREN OR ADULTS.
• The solution is ready for use when its temperature drops to around 40 degrees Celsius or less (35° for marbling techniques).

Step 6 - Using the solution

• Use the cooled caustic soda solution to start making your cold process soap according to your chosen recipe.

Hot saponification :

Additional instructions for hot saponification

• Extra step: If you opt for hot saponification, there's no need to wait for the soda solution to cool completely.
• Process: Make sure all the soda is completely dissolved before starting the emulsion. Then cook the soap paste until it is completely saponified.

These detailed steps ensure safe handling of caustic soda and efficient preparation of the solution for saponification, which are essential for successful soapmaking.