Sodium silicate ,also known as water glass, is far more than just a chemical product; it is one of the fundamental building blocks of modern industry. This article will delve into the basic characteristics of sodium silicate and comprehensively review its key applications in various industries such as detergents, construction, casting, papermaking, environmental protection, and chemical engineering, revealing how this versatile material permeates every aspect of our lives.
Understanding Sodium Silicate
Sodium silicate, also known as water glass, is a soluble silicate formed by the combination of alkali metal oxides (such as sodium oxide) and silicon dioxide. Its chemical formula is Na₂O·nSiO₂, where “n” is called the modulus, which is the molar ratio of SiO₂ to Na₂O, and it determines the main properties and applications of sodium silicate.
Sodium silicate usually exists in the form of a viscous transparent or pale yellow liquid, and also in a powdered solid form. Its remarkable performance in numerous industries is attributed to several core characteristics:
· Strong adhesion: It can effectively bond particles, fibers, etc., forming a solid coating or a whole structure.
· Alkalinity and buffering capacity: The solution is alkaline, providing a stable pH environment.
· Excellent heat resistance and fire resistance: At high temperatures, it forms a stable silicon dioxide framework, providing insulation and fire protection.
· Hardening and curing properties: Under the action of acid or curing agent, it can transform from a liquid to a gel or solid that is insoluble in water.
· Surface activity and dispersibility: It can help other components to be uniformly dispersed in water.
· Environmentally friendly and non-toxic: Its main component is an inorganic substance, which is relatively safe for both humans and the environment.
It is precisely these unique properties that make sodium silicate a “flavor enhancer” of sorts, playing a crucial role in various industrial fields.
A Comprehensive Overview of the Main Applications of Sodium Silicate
The application scope of sodium silicate is far beyond what most people can imagine. Here are the main application areas we have identified:
1. Detergent and Cleaning Agent Industry
This is one of the largest application markets for sodium silicate.
As a detergent aid: It can soften water, prevent calcium and magnesium ions in the water from affecting the cleaning effect, and improve the decontamination efficiency.
Maintaining pH: Providing and stabilizing the alkaline environment of the cleaning solution, which is crucial for the saponification decomposition of oils.
Antifungal and anti-rust: Preventing the detergent from corroding metal components of washing machines, dishwashers, etc., and protecting ceramic surfaces.
Suspension and emulsification: Helping dirt particles suspend in the liquid, preventing them from re-depositing on the clothes.
2. Construction and Building Materials Industry
Sodium silicate here is a versatile “multi-talented” substance.
Sealing leaks and preventing water seepage: As the main component of chemical grouting materials, it reacts with a curing agent (such as calcium chloride) to form silica gel that is insoluble in water, quickly sealing cracks and leakage points in concrete structures. (See our special article on “Sodium Silicate Sealing” for details)
Stabilizing soil: Through grouting, it can effectively strengthen soft soil and enhance the bearing capacity of the foundation.
Fire-resistant materials: As a binder, it is used to produce fire-resistant bricks and fire-resistant mud, which can withstand extremely high temperatures.
Acid-resistant cement and flooring: Mixed with fluorosilicic acid sodium and other curing agents, it is used to lay acid-resistant flooring and linings in chemical plants.
3. Casting Industry
In metal casting, sodium silicate is mainly used as a binder: it is the most commonly used binder for making sand molds (casting molds). By mixing sodium silicate solution with quartz sand and blowing in CO₂ or adding ester-based hardening agents, the sand mold can harden rapidly in a short period of time, resulting in precise casting shapes.
4. Paper Industry
Pulp bleaching additives: During the bleaching process, it can stabilize hydrogen peroxide and other bleaching agents, enhance bleaching efficiency, and reduce fiber damage.
As a filler retention agent: Helps the fillers (such as calcium carbonate) in the paper to be distributed more evenly and retained, improving the opacity, smoothness and printing performance of the paper.
5. Environmental Protection and Water Treatment Industry
Coagulants and Flocculants: Polymeric sodium silicate can be used as an efficient water treatment agent, helping to remove suspended particles, colloids, and heavy metal ions from water.
Corrosion Inhibitors: In water supply systems, it can form a protective film on the inner walls of pipes, preventing pipe corrosion.
6. Chemical Industry and Catalysts
Chemical raw materials: They are the basic raw materials for manufacturing various silicon-based chemical products such as silica (silicon dioxide), silica gel (desiccant), and molecular sieves.
Catalyst carriers: The porous structure formed by the gelation of these carriers is an ideal material for manufacturing catalysts used in fields such as petrochemicals and automotive exhaust treatment.
7. Other Important Industries
Textile industry: Used as bleaching stabilizers, finishing agents and fireproof treatment agents for fabrics.
Metal surface treatment: Used as metal cleaners and anti-rust agents.
Ceramic industry: As adhesives for molds and glazes.
If your industry has a demand for sodium silicate, whether it’s liquid sodium silicate or solid sodium silicate, please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with a satisfactory product and price.
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