Sodium Silicate

What is Sodium Silicate

Sodium silicate is also known as sodium meta-silicate; it is a flaked powdered and solid inorganic sodium salt. It is a highly water-soluble substance and gives an alkaline solution. But it is a non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-explosive compound.

Sodium silicate can be prepared experimentally by reacting silica, caustic soda, and hot water in a reactor; or by dissolving silica in molten sodium carbonate. Sodium silicate has a wide of applications on the industrial level. Detergents, paper making, water treatment, and building materials use sodium silicate.

The application of sodium silicate is the cement for the production of cardboard. It is also used in drilling fluids to stabilize and avoid the collapse of bore walls. Detergents and water treatment use it as the coagulant and iron flocculants in water waste treatment plants. Hand dyeing uses Sodium meta-silicate as a fixative with a reactive dye such dyes have high pH to react with textile fiber. After applying dyes to different types of fabrics are allowed to dry; then sodium silicate is painted on the fabric. Then covered the painted cloth fiber to keep the moisture, and the process takes about an hour to react at room temperature. The sand casting of iron and steel uses sodium silicate as a binder for san. For metal repairing, in muffler repairs and fitting paste sodium silicate makes a mixture with magnesium silicate. Sodium silicate is mixed with sawdust and filled in the double skin of various safes and makes them fire-resistant and cut resistant.

Sodium silicate is highly irritant to eyes, skin, and mucous membrane. Its ingestion and inhalation can be fatal and results in sore throat, shortness of breath, burning sensation.

USES AND APPLICATIONS FOR Sodium Silicate

INDUSTRIES

It is used in numerous industrial applications like:-

Safe Construction
Drilling Fluid
Detergents
Water treatment
Sand casting
Dye auxiliary
Metal repair
Food preservation.
Home Brewing
Adhesive

… and many more.

Details of SNDB Chemicals Sodium Silicate can be found below:-

Tag

Coatings & Construction, Glass and Ceramics, Personal Care, Pharma & Consumer, Rubber and Plastics, Soaps & Detergents

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Description

Sodium silicate, commonly known as water glass, is a fascinating compound with a myriad of applications across various industries. Its unique chemical properties make it an indispensable ingredient in diverse manufacturing processes, from textiles to construction and beyond. Let’s delve deeper into the world of sodium silicate and explore its many uses and benefits.

Textile Industry: In the textile industry, it plays a crucial role in textile processing, particularly in the manufacturing of fabrics and garments. As a sizing agent, sodium silicate enhances the strength and durability of fibers, resulting in fabrics that are more resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, it serves as a catalyst in the dyeing process, facilitating the fixation of dyes onto fibers, thus ensuring vibrant and long-lasting colors.

Construction Sector: In the construction sector, it is valued for its binding properties and ability to strengthen various building materials. When mixed with cement, it acts as a concrete sealer, improving the durability and water resistance of structures. Moreover, sodium silicate is used as a soil stabilizer in road construction, preventing soil erosion and enhancing the stability of roadbeds.

Water Treatment: Sodium silicate is an essential component in water treatment processes due to its ability to precipitate heavy metals and impurities. It is commonly employed in wastewater treatment plants to neutralize acidic effluents and remove contaminants from industrial discharge. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of detergents and soaps, where it acts as a builder, enhancing the cleaning efficiency of these products.

Adhesive Manufacturing: The adhesive industry relies on sodium silicate for the formulation of high-performance adhesives and sealants. Its excellent bonding properties and resistance to heat and moisture make it ideal for bonding a wide range of substrates, including glass, metal, and ceramics. Sodium silicate-based adhesives find applications in automotive assembly, construction, and aerospace industries, where reliability and strength are paramount.

Fireproofing Applications: Sodium silicate is utilized as a fire retardant in various applications, including the manufacturing of fire-resistant coatings and sealants. When applied to combustible materials, such as wood or paper, it forms a protective barrier that inhibits the spread of flames and reduces the risk of fire damage. This property makes it invaluable in fireproofing building materials, textiles, and electrical components.

Preservation and Conservation: In the realm of preservation and conservation, it finds use as a consolidant for fragile materials, such as stone, ceramics, and fossils. By impregnating porous substrates, it reinforces their structure and prevents deterioration caused by environmental factors. Museums, archaeological sites, and restoration laboratories rely on sodium silicate to safeguard cultural heritage artifacts for future generations.