Sodium silicate, also known as
water glass, is a versatile chemical compound with numerous industrial and
commercial applications.
1. Chemical Name: Sodium Silicate
2. Common Names: Water Glass
3. Chemical Formula: Na2SiO3
(anhydrous); Na2SiO3 · xH2O (hydrated forms)
4. CAS Number: 1344-09-8
5. Molecular Weight:
Approximately 122.06 g/mol (anhydrous)
6. Appearance: Sodium silicate
is typically found as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid or as a
white to gray solid, depending on its concentration and hydration state.
7. Concentration: Sodium silicate solutions can vary widely in concentration, with common concentrations ranging from about 35% to 50% SiO2 (silica) by weight.
8. Physical Properties:
- Density: The density of sodium silicate solutions
varies depending on their concentration and temperature, typically ranging from
1.35 to 1.60 g/cm³.
- Solubility: Sodium silicate is soluble in
water, with the solubility increasing with temperature. It forms alkaline
solutions in water.
- Melting Point: The melting point of sodium
silicate depends on its composition and concentration, typically ranging from
1089°C to over 1200°C.
9. Production:
- Sodium silicate is commonly produced
through the fusion of sodium carbonate (soda ash) and silica (sand) in a
furnace at high temperatures.
- The resulting sodium silicate glass is
then dissolved in water to form sodium silicate solutions of various
concentrations.
10. Uses:
- Adhesives and Binders: Sodium silicate is
used as an adhesive and binder in the production of refractory materials,
ceramics, foundry molds, and abrasives.
- Construction Materials: Sodium silicate
is used in the manufacture of high-temperature-resistant materials such as
fire-resistant coatings, cements, and concrete sealers.
- Detergents and Soaps: Sodium silicate is
used as a corrosion inhibitor, alkaline builder, and binding agent in
detergents and soaps.
- Water Treatment: Sodium silicate is used
in water treatment processes for corrosion inhibition, scale prevention, and
stabilization of heavy metals.
- Paper and Pulp Industry: Sodium silicate
is used as a sizing agent, retention aid, and coating binder in paper and pulp
production to improve strength and printability.
- Textile Industry: Sodium silicate is used
in textile processing, particularly in dyeing, printing, and finishing
operations.
11. Safety:
- Sodium silicate is generally considered
safe for most industrial and commercial applications when handled properly.
- It is non-toxic and non-flammable, but
prolonged exposure to concentrated solutions or dust may cause skin and eye
irritation.
- Proper handling procedures, including the
use of gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, should be followed when
working with sodium silicate.
- Spills should be promptly cleaned up
using appropriate absorbent materials and safety equipment, and diluted with
water to reduce concentration.
This detailed overview provides comprehensive information about sodium silicate, including its chemical properties, production methods, uses, and safety considerations.
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