| Sodium silicate (Molecular Formula - Na2SiO3, | | | | |
| Molecular Mass - 122.06 g/mol) is a white | | | | · Timber treatment - Treating wood with |
| solid that is soluble in water, producing an | | | | sodium silicate preserves wood from insects |
| alkaline solution. There are various states | | | | and possesses some flame-retardant |
| of this compound; all are glassy, colorless, | | | | properties. |
| and soluble in water. This is also called | | | | |
| water glass or liquid glass. | | | | · Concrete and masonry treatment - |
| | | | Concrete treated with a sodium silicate |
| Sodium silicate is stable in neutral and | | | | solution helps to significantly reduce |
| alkaline solutions. In acidic solutions, the | | | | porosity in masonry products like concrete |
| silicate ion reacts with hydrogen ions to | | | | and plasters. Applying Sodium Silicate with |
| form silica acid, which when heated and | | | | concrete permanently binds the silicates with |
| roasted forms silica gel, a hard, glassy | | | | the surface making them far more wearable and |
| substance. | | | | water repellent. These coatings are known as |
| | | | silicate mineral paint. |
| Uses of Sodium Silicate | | | | |
| | | | · Water Treatment - Sodium Silicate is |
| · Egg Preservation - Sodium silicate is | | | | used in water treatment in wastewater |
| used as an egg preservation agent. Eggs can | | | | treatment plants. Water glass used to bind |
| remain fresh by using Sodium Silicate | | | | heavier molecules and drag them out of the |
| preservation method for up to nine months. | | | | water. |
| | | | |
| · Automotive repair - One of the popular | | | | · Refractory use - Water glass is useful |
| uses of Sodium silicate is seal leaks at the | | | | binder of solids, like vermiculite and |
| head gasket. | | | | perlite. When blended with these lightweight |
| | | | aggregates, water glass can be used to make |
| · Cement uses - Sodium silicate has been | | | | hard, high-temperature insulation boards used |
| widely used as general-purpose cement, | | | | for refractoriness', passive fire protection |
| especially for applications involving | | | | and high temperature insulations, such as |
| cementing objects exposed to heat or fire. | | | | mounded pipe insulation applications. |