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About solid sodium silicate

Types of Solid Sodium Silicate

Sodium silicates are developed in diverse types. They are also called water glasses or liquid glass. It results from the chemical reaction between sodium carbonate and silica sand at high temperatures. This section describes the distinct forms of solid sodium silicate.

Powdered Sodium Silicate

It has a high sodium content, ease of handling, and long shelf life. This makes it an outstanding choice for various industries. Commonly, it is used in the construction industry for making adhesives and sealants.

Also, it is used in detergents for its grease-cutting capability and provides corrosion protection in paints and coatings. Its versatility comes from being easily blended with other materials.

Granular Sodium Silicate

Granular sodium silicate has distinct crystals that prevent clumping. This property makes it a preferred option in applications requiring consistent flow, like agricultural fertilizers. In paper production, it improves the quality of the final product.

Also, due to its slow dissolution rate, it ensures prolonged efficacy in certain applications. This form is commonly utilized where slow release or long-term durability is required.

Tablets or Briquettes

Tablets or briquettes of sodium silicate are manufactured for specific applications. For example, in water treatment systems, these briquettes release silicates gradually. This characteristic aids in prevention of corrosion and cementation in pipelines.

These silicate tablets are also used in agriculture to deliver silicon nutrients in an easy-to-handle form. Their uniform size ensures consistent release rates.

Fused Sodium Silicate

Fused sodium silicate is produced by melting and resolidifying sodium silicate solutions. It is often utilized in high-temperature applications. Commonly, found in the glass-making process, this variant improves the mechanical strength and chemical resistance of the final glass products.

Industrial Applications of Solid Sodium Silicate

Solid sodium silicate is a multipurpose substance used in different industries. It is renowned for its adaptability and useful characteristics. This section highlights industrial purposes of stable sodium silicate.

Agriculture

Sodium silicate is used as a silica fertilizer in agriculture. It immensely improves plant growth and pest resistance. Sodium silicate for plants improves crop yields by promoting stronger root development and enhancing nutrient uptake.

Farmers specify some traits in sodium silicate, like high SiO2 content and solubility in water to ensure efficiency. Additionally, farmers prefer even application forms like granules or powders for easy integration with existing fertilization systems.

Manufacturing

In the manufacturing sector, sodium silicate is commonly referred to as "liquid glass." It is utilized as a bonding agent in the production of adhesives and sealants. It acts as a prime ingredient in the manufacturing of stable bleaching powder.

Also note that sodium silicate provides thermal resistance and enhances the longevity of the finished products. Manufacturers look for silicates with an optimal sodium-to-silicon ratio to maximize adhesive strength. Chlorine has also to be inhibited to avoid any negative interactions.

Glass Production

Solid sodium silicate is also crucial in glass production. It acts as a flux, lowering the melting point of silica. The glass-making mixture usually has silica sand and soda ash in a high heat ratio of about 1:3.

It is then heated in a furnace at over 1,600 °C (2,912 °F) to produce molten glass. Silicate also improves the chemical stability of the glass. Manufacturers prefer silicates with high purity to ensure clarity and consistency in the final product.

Water Treatment

Solid sodium silicate is used in water treatment to prevent corrosion in metal pipes. It forms protective layers on surfaces to extend the lifespan of water distribution systems.

Water treatment experts look for sodium silicate with high alkalinity to neutralize acidic waters. At the same time, a low sodium concentration reduces the risk of deposits in the pipes.

Product Specifications and Features of Solid Sodium Silicate

Solid sodium silicate is produced and supplied in various specifications. Different features are essential to consider when purchasing this compound to meet specific application needs. Here are some key specifications and features of solid sodium silicate.

Key Specifications

Note that solid sodium silicate is usually available in diverse grades. Each grade varies in sodium and silicon dioxide concentrations. Each grade usually contains either low, medium, or high.

Moreover, the particle size distribution is vital for ensuring the desired solubility and reactivity in applications. For example, some products come in powdered form for agriculture. Other products come in briquette or tablet forms for water treatment.

The water content level also impacts the compound's shelf stability. High water content leads to caking, while low levels ensure longer usability. Customers select sodium silicate products based on the targeted industrial purpose as they have distinct grade requirements.

For instance, glass manufacturers prefer silicates with higher silica content. On the other hand, construction industries need formulations with increased sodium concentration.

Features

  • High Alkalinity: The high alkalinity of sodium silicate makes the compound useful for many industrial applications. For instance, it is critical for detergents where it acts as a grease loosener. It is also used in water treatment to neutralize acidic water.
  • Thermal Stability: Solid sodium silicate is thermally stable. This feature allows it to be used in high-temperature applications like glass manufacturing without degrading.
  • Hydraulic Setting: The compound can set and harden in the presence of water. This makes it ideal for making adhesives and sealants in the construction industry.
  • Corrosion Inhibitor: It acts as a corrosion inhibitor in water treatment. It forms protective layers in metal pipes and extends their lifespan.
  • Soil Benefits: In agriculture, sodium silicate improves the soil structure and nutrient availability to plants. It also enhances the crops' resistance to pests and diseases.

Solid Sodium Silicate

The selection of solid sodium silicate for a particular application depends on several factors. Understanding these factors ensures that this compound performs effectively in diverse applications.

Purity and Composition

Different applications have distinct purity and composition requirements. For instance, glass manufacturers prefer sodium silicate with high silica concentration. Yet, agriculture focuses on the silicon content for enhanced crop growth.

Water treatment industries require lower sodium levels to avoid scaling in pipes. Meanwhile, construction sectors seek formulations with higher sodium to improve adhesive properties. Identify these needs then stock silicates with precise chemical compositions for distinct customers.

Granulation and Particle Size

The sodium silicate granulation and particle size significantly impact its solubility and reactivity. Powdered sodium silicates are favored in agriculture. The reason is that they offer quick solubility and immediate availability to plants.

Meanwhile, granular or briquetted forms are ideal for water treatment. They provide controlled release, ensuring prolonged silicate availability without clogging filters.

Industrial Use

The intended industrial use of sodium silicate dictates its selection. Water glasses with high purity and silica concentration are used in glass manufacturing. Sodium silicate products are used in coatings and detergents in the construction and detergent industries.

The products serve as sealants. They are also used in rust prevention in metals due to corrosion-inhibiting features. Agriculture uses fertilizers that incorporate sodium silicate to boost plant growth.

Packaging

Appropriate packaging is critical in ensuring the stability and usability of solid sodium silicate. Use moisture-resistant containers to prevent the caking of sodium silicate granules. Treatrices or hoppers are used to store silicate granules in bulk for easy handling and transportation.

In addition, silicate tablets are packed in blister containers to provide individual, controlled doses for applications like water treatment. The packaging selection addresses the specific needs of various consumers while maintaining the product's integrity throughout transportation and storage.

Now that buyers understand what influences the selection of solid sodium silicate, they can make the right choice. Here is some additional information to consider when buying this product.

Solid Sodium Silicate

Suppliers should stock various solid sodium silicates to accommodate customers' needs and preferences. Here are some additional considerations for buying this product.

Applications

Agricultural and manufacturing industries prefer solid sodium silicate with high purity and silica concentration. Construction industries need sodium silicates with high sodium concentrations to formulate good-quality sealants and adhesives.

Water treatment customers seek silicates with lower sodium to prevent scaling. This product will improve liquidity in bulk purchasing by ensuring customers can buy quantities they need for different applications.

Product Quality

Users value the product's quality significantly. It influences the performance, safety, and environmental impact of solid sodium silicate. Aim for sodium silicate sourced from reputable manufacturers with quality control practices that ensure consistency for every batch.

Supplier Reliability

The reliability of the silicate supplier directly impacts the availability of this product. Choose manufacturers are capable of long-term consistent supply. Assess their capacity to meet high order demands without compromising lead times or product quality.

Pricing

Compare the pricing structures of various suppliers while considering quality and reliability. Get reasonable prices as buyers often base decisions on the perceived value and cost. Moreover, ensure transparency with no hidden costs for efficient budgeting.

Q&A

Q. What is the role of sodium silicate in detergents?

A: In detergents, sodium silicate acts as a corrosion inhibitor and alkalinity agent. It helps in soil suspension, keeping dirt particles away from surfaces being cleaned. This prevents re-deposition onto fabrics and allows the dirt to be removed effectively.

Q. What makes solid sodium silicate ideal for construction?

A: The hydraulic properties of sodium silicate make it ideal for construction when mixed with cement. It forms durable sealants and adhesives that offer water resistance and improved bonding.

Q: How does sodium silicate benefit plants when added to soil?

A: Sodium silicate boosts plant growth by improving root system development and enhancing nutrient absorption. It increases resistance to pests and diseases while strengthening the plant structure.

Q: What precaution should users take when handling sodium silicate?

Handling sodium silicate requires care since it can be irritant. Users should therefore wear protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and masks. These help protect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system from potential exposure effects.

Q&A

Q. What is the process of synthesizing sodium silicate powder?

A: The synthesis process of sodium silicate powder involves the fusion of silica sand and soda ash at high temperatures. This forms a molten mixture, then followed by controlled cooling to produce the sodium silicate.

Q. Does sodium silicate have any negative impact on the environment?

A: Sodium silicate has low toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic organisms. It poses environmental risk. It lacks harmful effects like those caused by heavy metal silicate or phenolic silicates.

Q. Can sodium silicate be used in glass formulation?

A: Yes, sodium silicate is commonly used in glass formulations. It acts as a flux, lowering the melting point of the silica to enable easier processing without compromising the stability and chemical resistance of the final product.

Q. Does solid sodium silicate have any positive impact on concrete?

A: Adding sodium silicate to concrete produces the active silica fume that reacts with calcium hydroxide. This reaction forms calcium silicate hydrate, thus improving concrete durability and strength.