Liquid Sodium Silicate: Manufacturing & Uses

Sodium silicate, which is popularly known as water glass or soluble glass, is a chemical compound that contains Na2O or sodium oxide and SiO2 or silica. They prepare a glassy solid which is easily soluble in water. You can buy water glass from any sodium silicate supplier Egypt who offers this compound in the forms of powders, solids or liquids (syrupy). It is the most useful source of sodium to produce a number of industrial products. It has a large use in producing the laundry detergents, adhesive and binder, flocculant, and many more.

1) The sodium silicate manufacturers are into its production from the 19th century. The basic method of preparing ‘silicate of soda’ is not changed with time. The process includes roasting of sodium carbonate and silica sand into the furnace. The temperature remains between 1000-1400°C. As an output, carbon dioxide and sodium silicate generate.

This roasting method generates glassy lumps which are called cullet. It is then cooled. It can be sold in this form or in powdered form. The grounded form or lump of sodium silicate can be used for the nourishment of pressurized reactors which dissolves in hot water. This solution is then cooled to form viscous liquid and the sodium silicate exporter concerns sell it in different small to large-sized tanks, drums or jars.

2) The liquid form of sodium silicate can also be produced by directly dissolving silica into the hot aqueous solution of caustic soda under constant pressure.

The basic rule to make the solution more viscous is to increase the concentration of SiO2 and Na2O by raising their ratio of participation. The solutions having high viscosity can be easily dried up using spray, and glass-like beads can be formed for the hydrated sodium silicate. These dissolve quickly than the anhydrous form of sodium silicate.

• The exclusive properties of hydrated sodium silicate make it perfect to be used as dishwasher detergents and powdered laundry. Dissolved sodium silicate is slightly high alkaline in nature. Thus when it is used in detergents, it efficiently removes oils and fats, neutralizes acids and comfortably breaks proteins and starches. This similar property makes it extremely helpful in paper pulp bleaching and wastepaper de-inking.

• Small amounts of dissolved sodium silicate are used in treating wastewater and water supplies in the municipality. This is because it actively helps in absorbing metal ions and prevents the formation of flocs i.e. the loose clusters of particles.

• Under acidic situations, liquid sodium silicate forms a glassy hard gel. Due to this property, it acts as a bonding agent in concrete products. It works as an adhesive for porcelain or glass.

• One of the traditional uses of dissolved sodium silicate is egg preservatives. Eggs can be kept fresh for months if they are stored in a viscous solution of sodium silicate in a dark spot.

The sodium silicate suppliers in Egypt and other countries produce different formulations of sodium silicate by varying the amounts of SiO2 and Na2O in it, which are supplied to multiple application areas depending on their demands.

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