Sodium Silicate

Description

Sodium silicate, commonly known as water glass or liquid glass, is a generic name for a variety of sodium silicate compounds that have different industrial applications. It consists of sodium oxide, Na2O, combined with silica, SiO2. While drying, it sets into a hard glass-like solid; in its liquid form, however, it is an aqueous solution and dissolves in water. This would include sodium silicate, widely used as an adhesive, a binder for cements and coatings, in detergents, water treatment, and even fireproofing. It is highly resistant to heat and acids; it is a major ingredient for binding, sealing, and coating applications in many industries.

This high alkalinity of the compound makes it applicable for use as a detergent booster and enhances the cleaning effectiveness of soap formulations. Sodium Silicate is normally used in construction as a sealant for concrete and masonry surfaces. It also plays an important role in water treatment plants with regard to flocculation, enhancing the withdrawal of impurities and particles. It further functions as a fire retardant and as an adhesive agent for products such as cardboard, textiles, and ceramics.

There are different forms of sodium silicates: liquid, powder, and so forth. This makes it suitable for specific industrial needs for which the product is under production. Because of its low cost, it finds broad applicability in many uses.

Specifications:

• Chemical Formula: Na2SiO3
• Appearance: Colorless or slightly hazy liquid; powder form also available
• pH (in water): 11.0 – 12.5
• Density (liquid): ~1.4 g/cm³
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water
• CAS Number: 1344-09-8
• Applications: Detergents, adhesives, water treatment, cement, coatings, fireproofing, and textiles
• Melting Point: ~1088°C
• Boiling Point (liquid form): Above 100°C
• Shelf Life: 24 months

Features:

• Excellent adhesive and binding properties
• High thermal stability and fire retardant
• Strong resistance to acids (except hydrofluoric acid)
• Enhances cleaning power in detergents and soap formulations
• Used in water treatment as a coagulant for flocculation
• Cost-effective and versatile for industrial applications
• Can be used in construction as a sealant for concrete and masonry

Chemical Identity:

• Chemical Name: Sodium Silicate
• Chemical Formula: Na2SiO3
• CAS Number: 1344-09-8
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 122.06 g/mol

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: Clear to viscous liquid or solid (powder/granules), depending on concentration.
• Density: Varies based on concentration, typically between 1.35 – 1.50 g/cm³ for liquid forms.
• Melting Point: Approximately 1088°C (1980°F) for solid forms.
• Boiling Point: Varies based on concentration, typically around 100°C (212°F) for dilute solutions.
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution.

Chemical Properties:

• Chemical Structure: Composed of silicate anions (SiO3²⁻) and sodium cations (Na⁺) linked in a complex network structure.
• pH (for liquid): Typically around 11-13 in aqueous solutions.
• Odor: Odorless.
• Chemical Reactions: Can react with acids to form silica gel; used as a source of silica in various chemical processes.

Safety Information:

• Toxicity: Generally low toxicity but can cause skin and eye irritation in concentrated forms.
• Irritation: Can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact.
• Handling Precautions: Use protective gloves and eyewear when handling concentrated solutions.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.

Applications and Uses:

• Detergents: Key ingredient in laundry detergents and dishwashing soaps for stain removal.
• Paper and Pulp: Enhances paper strength and reduces dusting in papermaking.
• Textile Industry: Stabilizes dyes and prevents bleeding in textile dyeing and printing.
• Metal Casting: Crucial for creating molds and cores in foundry processes.
• Construction: Added to cement and concrete for improved fire resistance and reduced permeability.
• Water Treatment: Controls corrosion, scale formation, and pH in water treatment.
• Adhesives and Sealants: Provides adhesive properties in various applications.
• Fireproofing: Used in fire-resistant coatings and products due to high-temperature resistance.
• Automotive Repair: Applied as a sealant for engine gaskets and radiator leaks.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Utilized in drilling fluids and cementing operations.
• Chemical Research: Used as a silica source and reagent in laboratory experiments and reactions.

Environmental Impact:

• Eco-Friendliness: Non-toxic to the environment at low concentrations.
• Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate in organisms.
• Disposal Methods: Dispose of according to local regulations.