What Is Sodium Silicate Solution? Uses, Benefits & Sourcing
In the world of industrial chemicals, there is a material that is ubiquitous due to its outstanding versatility and economy. It is sodium silicate solution. What exactly is it? Why are so many industries relying on it? And how can one obtain the highest quality product?
As Sanlee Chemical New Materials – a source manufacturer specializing in the production of sodium silicate, we not only provide high-quality solution products, but also hope to use this article to become your professional guide on the procurement journey. This article will take you to a comprehensive understanding of the definition, wide range of applications, and core advantages of sodium silicate solution, and ultimately help you master the secrets of smart procurement.
What is it? — In-depth Analysis of Sodium Silicate Solution
Sodium silicate solution, commonly known as “water glass”, is a stable aqueous solution of sodium silicate. In industrial production, it is the most popular choice due to its ready-to-use, easy-to-handle, and precisely-measured liquid form.
To truly understand it, you need to pay attention to two core technical parameters:
Molar Ratio: This is the “soul” that determines the performance of the solution. It refers to the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to sodium oxide. In simple terms, a high molar ratio solution has stronger adhesion and better water resistance; a low molar ratio solution is more alkaline and dissolves faster. One of the core capabilities of Three Force New Materials is the ability to precisely customize solutions of different molar ratios according to your specific needs.
Brix and Concentration: Brix is a unit for measuring the density of the solution, directly related to the amount of its active ingredients (solid content). This affects the efficacy of the product, transportation costs, and the dilution ratio during use.
What are the characteristics of sodium silicate solution?
1. The aqueous solution of sodium silicate is strongly alkaline, with a pH value reaching up to 13.5 (at 20℃). This strong alkalinity stems from its hydrolysis process: when sodium silicate dissolves in water, the silicate ion reacts with water molecules to form silicic acid and hydroxide ions, making the solution alkaline. Its alkalinity is similar to that of sodium hydroxide solution, but the specific strength depends on the ratio of Na₂O and SiO₂ within the molecule – the alkalinity of the original sodium silicate is the strongest among all sodium silicates, as the proportion of Na₂O in its molecule is greater.
2. Sodium silicate exhibits excellent thermal stability. The formed silica network skeleton after hardening shows very little strength reduction at high temperatures. When sodium silicate mortar and concrete are prepared using heat-resistant and fire-resistant aggregates, the heat resistance can reach 1000℃. This characteristic makes sodium silicate an ideal bonding material and fire-resistant material in high-temperature environments.
3. Sodium silicate decomposes in the presence of acids, and even carbon dioxide in the air can cause its slow decomposition, releasing silicic acid gel precipitates. The reaction formula with acids is: Na₂SiO₃ + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂SiO₃↓
This property makes sodium silicate unsuitable for use in environments where it comes into contact with acids, but it can also be utilized in certain applications to generate silica gel.
4. Sodium silicate is incompatible with most metals and many organic materials. However, in neutral and alkaline media, it has a certain inhibitory effect on some metals such as aluminum, tin, and zinc. Monosodium silicate has a stronger corrosion inhibition effect on these heavy metals than the original sodium silicate. Additionally, sodium silicate forms precipitates with calcium, magnesium and other hard water ions, which affects its performance in detergents.
What is sodium silicate solution usages? – The extensive application map of sodium silicate solution
The chemical properties of sodium silicate have endowed it with a wide range of application scenarios, making it a “cornerstone” material in the industrial field.
1. Industrial additives
1.1 Detergent industry
It is an efficient additive for laundry powder, soap, and synthetic detergents, capable of softening water, maintaining solution alkalinity, enhancing cleaning power, and preventing dirt redeposition.
1.2 Paper industry
It played an important role in the deinking process of waste paper, providing an alkaline environment, dispersing ink particles, and helping to remove ink.
1.3 Textile auxiliaries
In the textile industry, sodium silicate is used as a bleaching and dyeing auxiliary for fabrics.
1.4 Flotation additives
In the flotation process of mines, especially in fluorite mines, sodium silicate can be used as a flotation inhibitor.
1.5 Water treatment additives
In the wastewater treatment industry, sodium silicate is used as a coagulant aid and corrosion inhibitor.
1.6 Titanium dioxide production additives
In the surface treatment stage of titanium dioxide production, sodium silicate is used as a precipitating agent and coating agent to improve the quality of titanium dioxide.
2. Adhesives
2.1 Corrugated Board and Cartons
Sodium silicate is the main adhesive used in the production of corrugated board and cartons. It is low-cost and has strong adhesive properties.
2.2 Foundry
It is used as an adhesive for foundry molding sand, helping the sand mold to harden quickly and maintain sufficient strength to withstand the impact of high-temperature molten metal, especially suitable for the carbon dioxide hardening foundry process.
2.3 Refractory Materials
It is used as an adhesive for the production of refractory bricks, refractory mortars and other refractory materials.
2.4 Silicate Coatings
It is a key component in the production of silicate mineral coatings, especially inorganic coatings.
3. Construction Industry
3.1 Main Raw Materials for Double-Liquid Grouting
Sodium silicate is suitable for use in tunnel, cave, culvert, foundation pit and other projects that require double-liquid grouting for leakage control, as well as for treating seepage and leakage in basements, water tanks and underground structures.
3.2 Fire Retardant
Sodium silicate can be used to impregnate wood and fabrics or applied to building surfaces. When exposed to fire, it forms an insulating layer that protects the substrate.
3.3 Floor Hardener
Sodium silicate can be used as the main raw material for concrete sealers and hardeners, suitable for all cement-based floors.
4. Chemical Industry
4.1 Main Raw Materials for Sodium Metasilicate
Sodium silicate is the primary raw material for the production of pentahydrate sodium metasilicate and nonahydrate sodium metasilicate.
4.2 Silica Gel Industry
Sodium silicate is the main raw material for the production of silica gel. When sodium silicate reacts with sulfuric acid (or hydrochloric acid), it generates hydrated silicic acid. After aging, washing, and drying, the common desiccant silica gel is obtained.
4.3 Silica White
Sodium silicate is the main raw material for the production of silica white. By adding acid to disrupt the stable silicate ion structure, silicic acid is formed. Silicic acid then polymerizes into hydrated silica. After precipitation, filtration, washing, drying, and grinding, the final silica white product is obtained.
The stability and storage requirements of sodium silicate
Sodium silicate is stable at room temperature. However, if exposed to the air, it will absorb carbon dioxide and moisture, leading to gradual decomposition and solidification.
Therefore, when storing sodium silicate, the following measures should be taken:
1. Keep the storage container sealed and store it in a cool and dry place;
2. Ensure that the working area has good ventilation or exhaust devices;
3. Do not store or transport it together with acidic substances to avoid reactions.
4. Sodium silicate is slightly harmful to water. Un diluted or large amounts of the product should not come into contact with groundwater, waterways or sewage systems.
When what you need is a partner who can work together with you rather than just a seller, Sanlee Chemical New Materials is the answer for you.
Silica Sodium Customization Expert: We firmly believe that “there is no best product, only the most suitable solution.” We are happy to mix up an exclusive solution of silica sodium for you.
Defender of Quality: From the raw materials entering the factory to the finished products leaving the factory, we strictly control the quality throughout the entire process to ensure that every drop of solution is trustworthy.
Reliable Supply Chain Partner: We have a strong production capacity and an efficient logistics system. We promise to deliver on time, regardless of the size of the order.
Professional Technical Backing: We have an experienced technical team that provides you with full support from selection, trial, to application optimization.
