<P> A lye is a metal hydroxide traditionally obtained by leaching ashes (containing largely potassium carbonate or "potash"), or a strong alkali which is highly soluble in water producing caustic basic solutions . "Lye" is commonly an alternative name of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or historically potassium hydroxide (KOH), though the term "lye" refers to any member of a broad range of metal hydroxides . </P> <P> Today, lye is commercially manufactured using a membrane cell chloralkali process . It is supplied in various forms such as flakes, pellets, microbeads, coarse powder or a solution . </P>

What is lye and where does it come from
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