Sodium Silicate: Important Things to Know

Sodium silicate, often known as sodium salt, is an inorganic powdery material that is flaky and solid. It is composed of counter-ionized silicate. Waterglass is another name for this remedy. This solid powdered material is water-soluble and creates alkaline solutions when mixed with water.

Increasing demand for sodium silicate in the water purification sector and steady expansion of key end-use sectors. Large amounts of sodium silicate are used in both concrete treatment and construction to make refractory and mortar cement. These factors propel the market growth. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Sodium Silicate Market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.61% over the projection period from 2022 to 2030.

Uses of sodium silicate:

A versatile substance with many applications is sodium silicate. Detergents, Glass, and cement manufacture are some of its main uses.

Detergents can also be made using sodium silicate. In detergents, it serves as a builder, helping to solidify the water and create a powdery substance that can cling to dirt and soil particles. This enhances the detergent's ability to clean.

The manufacturing of cement uses sodium silicate. It is used to decrease the amount of water required for the cement to be set, increase the durability and strength of the cement, and regulate the cement's setting time.

It is mainly utilized in the manufacturing of glass. The substance is used to regulate the melting point of the glass, alter its viscosity, and enhance the glass's surface gloss.

How are sodium silicate compounds made?

A mixture of silica (often in the type of quartz sand), water in a reactor, and caustic soda can be processed with hot steam to produce sodium silicate solutions. It may also be produced by dissolving SiO2 in molten sodium carbonate, which has a melting point of 1713 ° C.

Why is sodium silicate used for medical purposes?

Sodium silicate, along with other silicates, is one of the key components of rapid wrinkle removal creams even though it is not used directly for medical purposes. Additionally, it is an ingredient in skincare treatments that tighten skin or lessen the appearance of wrinkles and bags under the eyes. It can produce impressive benefits when utilized in creams and lotions. But it is important to remember that the wonderful outcomes from using this solution in various skincare products are not long-lasting. Only a short period. It functions as a water cement in creams and other skincare products. An off-white residue is left on the user's skin as a result of the solution beginning to crack as soon as the muscle contracts.

Why does concrete treatment use sodium silicate?

Concrete treated with a sodium silicate solution helps to reduce porosity in the majority of masonry products, including concrete, plasters, and stucco. The reduction of water penetration is aided by this effect, although there is no documented reduction in the emission and absorption of water vapor.