Sodium Silicate

Chemical Identity:

• Chemical Name: Sodium Silicate
• Chemical Formula: Na2SiO3
• CAS Number: 1344-09-8
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 122.06 g/mol

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: Clear to viscous liquid or solid (powder/granules), depending on concentration.
• Density: Varies based on concentration, typically between 1.35 – 1.50 g/cm³ for liquid forms.
• Melting Point: Approximately 1088°C (1980°F) for solid forms.
• Boiling Point: Varies based on concentration, typically around 100°C (212°F) for dilute solutions.
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution.

Chemical Properties:

• Chemical Structure: Composed of silicate anions (SiO3²⁻) and sodium cations (Na⁺) linked in a complex network structure.
• pH (for liquid): Typically around 11-13 in aqueous solutions.
• Odor: Odorless.
• Chemical Reactions: Can react with acids to form silica gel; used as a source of silica in various chemical processes.

Safety Information:

• Toxicity: Generally low toxicity but can cause skin and eye irritation in concentrated forms.
• Irritation: Can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact.
• Handling Precautions: Use protective gloves and eyewear when handling concentrated solutions.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.

Applications and Uses:

• Detergents: Key ingredient in laundry detergents and dishwashing soaps for stain removal.
• Paper and Pulp: Enhances paper strength and reduces dusting in papermaking.
• Textile Industry: Stabilizes dyes and prevents bleeding in textile dyeing and printing.
• Metal Casting: Crucial for creating molds and cores in foundry processes.
• Construction: Added to cement and concrete for improved fire resistance and reduced permeability.
• Water Treatment: Controls corrosion, scale formation, and pH in water treatment.
• Adhesives and Sealants: Provides adhesive properties in various applications.
• Fireproofing: Used in fire-resistant coatings and products due to high-temperature resistance.
• Automotive Repair: Applied as a sealant for engine gaskets and radiator leaks.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Utilized in drilling fluids and cementing operations.
• Chemical Research: Used as a silica source and reagent in laboratory experiments and reactions.

Environmental Impact:

• Eco-Friendliness: Non-toxic to the environment at low concentrations.
• Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate in organisms.
• Disposal Methods: Dispose of according to local regulations.

Regulatory Information:

• HS Code: 2839.2000 for international trade classification.
• Regulations: Subject to regulations depending on usage and region, including safety and environmental regulations.