CAS: 1344-09-8
Sodium Silicate is also called water glass or liquid glass. It is an inorganic compound with the following molecular formula: Na₂SiO₃, obtained from silicon dioxide (silica) and sodium oxide. It can be visualized or encountered in several forms: aqueous and solid glasses, or the like. Sodium Silicate has a distinctive feature; that is, it can form gel and adhesive compounds, and therefore demand is on rise in every industrial sector. The substance has steadily held significance in history with applications like cleaning agents, sealants, and construction materials.
Historically, sodium silicate has been a central material used in industries requiring adhesion, durability, and heat resistance. Moreover, its usage has expanded from being an important component during construction to the agriculture, pharmaceutical, and coating technologies, which speaks to its extensive equitability and robustness.
Curious: Sodium silicate is known for its property as moisture barrier; hence an important ingredient used in the manufacture of the corrosion-resistant construction materials.
Chemical Properties of Sodium Silicate
● CAS: 1344-09-8
● Molecular Formula: Na2O3Si
● Specific Gravity @ 28°C: 1.555 – 1.575
● Viscosity @ 20°C: 800 - 2000 Centipoise
Physical Properties
● Physical state: Viscous liquid or vitreous solid
● Color: Transparent or slightly opalescent
● Odor: Odorless
● Solubility: Soluble in water
Applications in the Construction Industry
In construction, sodium silicate is primarily used as an additive in cement to enhance concrete strength and reduce setting time. It also acts as a waterproofing agent, helping to bond concrete blocks while protecting them from water and moisture. Additionally, it serves as a sealant, filling cracks and pores in porous materials to improve durability and longevity.
Other Industries and Key Applications
● CASE Coating, Adhesive Sealant, and Elastic Rubber: Sodium silicate used in the manufacture of high-strength adhesives and sealants, especially where water resistance or high-temperature stability is required.
● HI&I Household, Industrial & Institutional: Due to its alkaline property, which dissolves grease and other organic residues, in addition to its use as a water softener in detergents, it is typically found in industrial cleaning products.
● Glass Industry: Sodium silicate is an important component in glass manufacturing; it imparts consultancy in float glass production by allowing the required viscosity for the process.
● Pulp and Paper: In this industry, it is used in the pulping process to bleach wood pulp and remove impurities from it to make the bleaching process better.
● Water Treatment: Sodium silicate is used in water treatment for softening, preventing corrosion and removing heavy metals and other impurities.
● Textile Sector: It is used as a fix agent in textile dyeing, enhancing dye adhesion to fibers.