Sodium Silicate

Sodium silicate or sodium silicate, also known as soluble glass, or liquid crystal, is an inorganic substance, which occurs in aqueous solutions and can also be found in solid form in many compounds, including cement, waterproofing, refractories, and textile processes. Sodium silicates have many useful properties not shared by other alkaline salts. This, together with the fact that they are low cost, results in a wide field of use in different industries.

IDENTIFICATION OF SODIUM SILICATE

Name: Sodium Silicate
Synonyms: Sodium salt of silicic acid
CAS: 1344-09-8
EC: 215-687-4

TECHNICAL PROPERTIES

• Appearance: Liquid
• Colour: Colourless or slightly grey
• Odour: Odourless
• pH in aqueous solution at 1% (20ºC): 10.5
• Melting point: >300°C
• Boiling point: >100ºC (100.8ºC)
• Flammability (solid/gas): Non-flammable
• Density (20ºC): 1.35 g/cm3 (37.6 Be)
• Solubility in water (20ºC): Soluble. Aqueous solution is alkaline.
• Auto ignition temperature: Non-flammable
• Viscosity (20ºC): 80+/- 20 mPa.s
• Explosive properties: Non-explosive
• Oxidising properties: Non-oxidising.

USES

• Soluble silicate production
• Raw material for the production of precipitated silica, silica gel,...
• Ceramic materials and/or catalysts
• Detergents and cleaning agents
• Adhesives and binders.
• Surface coating: paints.
• Ceramics and building materials
• Cements, refractory mixes, plasters and mortars.
• Water treatment
• Tunnel and mine construction
• Pulp and paper manufacturing.