Sodium Silicate (Water Glass)
Liquid and powder sodium silicate in various SiO2:Na2O ratios for detergents, corrosion inhibition, water treatment, and construction.
Product Overview
Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), commonly known as water glass or liquid glass, is an alkaline silicate compound produced by fusing silica sand with sodium carbonate at high temperature. It is available in a range of SiO2:Na2O ratios (typically 1.6 to 3.3) that determine its alkalinity, viscosity, and film-forming properties.
Texas-Chem supplies sodium silicate as liquid solution in various SiO2:Na2O ratios and as anhydrous powder. The liquid form is most common for industrial use; the ratio selected depends on the application — lower ratios (more alkaline) for detergents and cleaning, higher ratios (more siliceous) for adhesives and coatings.
Common Applications
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1344-09-8 |
| Molecular Formula | Na2SiO3 (varies by ratio) |
| SiO2:Na2O Ratios | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 (available) |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy viscous liquid |
| pH (1% solution) | 11.0-12.5 (ratio-dependent) |
| Specific Gravity (liquid) | 1.35-1.55 (ratio-dependent) |
| Viscosity | 50-500 cP (ratio-dependent) |
| Solids Content | 28-40% by weight (liquid grades) |
| Grade | Industrial |
| Packaging | Drums, Totes, Bulk tanker |
Safety & Documentation
Sodium silicate solution is alkaline and can cause skin and eye irritation. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses when handling. Avoid contact with strong acids — reacts to form silica gel. Review SDS before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SiO2:Na2O ratios does Texas-Chem supply?
Texas-Chem supplies sodium silicate in SiO2:Na2O ratios of 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, and 3.2. Lower ratios are more alkaline and preferred for detergents and cleaning; higher ratios are more siliceous and preferred for adhesives, coatings, and foundry applications.
How does sodium silicate inhibit corrosion in water pipes?
When added to potable water at low concentrations (2-10 mg/L as SiO2), sodium silicate forms a thin protective silica film on the interior surfaces of iron and copper pipes, reducing the leaching of lead, copper, and iron into the water supply.
What is the difference between sodium silicate and sodium metasilicate?
Sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) has a 1:1 SiO2:Na2O ratio and is the most alkaline form, used primarily in heavy-duty cleaning and industrial applications. Standard water glass has higher SiO2:Na2O ratios (2.0-3.3) and is less alkaline, used for adhesives, coatings, and water treatment.
Can sodium silicate be used in food processing?
Some grades of sodium silicate are approved for indirect food contact applications such as egg preservation and food packaging adhesives. Contact Texas-Chem for specific food-contact grade availability and documentation.
Packaging Options
Key Properties
Delivery Info
Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) vs. Alternatives
Sodium silicate is a versatile alkaline silicate used as a binder, sealant, and corrosion inhibitor. Here's how it compares to other alkalis.
| Attribute | Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) | Sodium Hydroxide | Sodium Carbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH (1% solution) | 11.0–12.5 | 13.0 | 11.6 |
| Form Available | Liquid (various SiO2:Na2O ratios), Powder | Liquid (50%), Flake | Light / Dense powder |
| Silica Content | Yes — SiO2:Na2O ratio 1.6–3.3 | None | None |
| Primary Use | Detergents, corrosion inhibition, cements, paper | Paper, water treatment, chemical synthesis | Glass, detergents, water softening |
| Film-Forming | Yes — forms protective silica film | No | No |
Industries We Supply Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) To
Detergent Manufacturing
Sodium silicate used as a builder and corrosion inhibitor in powdered and liquid detergents, protecting washing machine components from alkaline attack.
Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) supply in Houston, TXWater Treatment
Used as a corrosion inhibitor in potable water distribution systems, forming a protective silica film on pipe walls to prevent lead and copper leaching.
Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) supply in Dallas, TXPaper & Pulp
Sodium silicate used as a peroxide stabilizer in hydrogen peroxide bleaching of mechanical pulp and as a sizing agent in paper manufacturing.
Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) supply in Fort Worth, TXConstruction & Refractory
Used as a binder in refractory cements, foundry molds, and as a concrete hardener and sealant in industrial floor coatings.
Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) supply in San Antonio, TX