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