Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and aluminum powder (Al) do react when stored together in a sealed container. The reaction between sodium hydroxide and aluminum produces sodium aluminate (NaAlO2) and hydrogen gas (H2).

However, the rate of this reaction is very slow at room temperature. This is because the reaction requires the sodium hydroxide to dissolve in water before it can react with the aluminum. Since there is no water present in a sealed container, the reaction will not occur.

If water is introduced into the container, the reaction will begin to occur. The rate of the reaction will depend on the amount of water present and the temperature of the mixture.