Sodium Metasilicate

SODIUM METASILICATE PACKAGING

What is Sodium Metasilicate?

Molecular Formula (Sodium Metasilicate): Na₂O₃Si

Molecular Weight: 122.06 g/mol

Chemical Name: Sodium Metasilicate

CAS Number: 6834-92-0

It is a silicic acid salt in inorganic form. Its concentrated aqueous solutions used as glue can be toxic. It is an odorless white powder or a chemical in crystalline form.

It is a chemical that has the potential to melt when it absorbs moisture.

Its formula is Na₂SiO₃.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Metasilicate
• Silicate
• Silicic Acid
• 6834-92-0
• Disodium Metasilicate
• Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate
• Silicic Acid, Sodium Salt
• Sodium Silicate Solution
• Water Glass

How is Sodium Metasilicate Produced?

Its production is carried out with sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. Or it can be obtained by combining silica sand and sodium carbonate at a temperature of 1400 °C, which is another production method.

The reaction of this production is as follows;

SiO2 + Na₂CO₃》Na₂O₃Si + CO₂

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

Melting point is approximately 1090 °C.

Boiling Point: No information available.

Its density is 2.61 g/ml.

In terms of stability, it is a hygroscopic chemical. That is, it is sensitive to water and moisture.

It has strong alkaline properties.

Solubility can be expressed as follows: The higher the ratio of SiO₂ and Na₂O molecules in the Metasilicate available on the market, the lower the solubility and alkalinity. That is, as the SiO₂/Na₂O ratio in the silicate molecule increases, solubility decreases.

Freezing point is lower than 0 °C.

What are the Usage Areas of Sodium Metasilicate?

• In the water used in the manufacture of detergents, there are metal ions that harden the water. These metal ions prevent the cleaning effects of chemicals from fully manifesting themselves while detergents are being produced and prevent dirt from binding together and being removed from the cleaning area.
• In order for the cleaning effects of detergents to be revealed, the water must be softened. In previous times, sodium tripolyphosphate was used as a water softener. However, its use as a water softener in detergents has been abolished in the USA and European countries due to the presence of phosphorus. However, in our country and other countries, sodium metasilicate is used together with sodium tripolyphosphate as a water softener.
• Detergents require high alkaline properties. It is one of the most ideal chemicals for providing alkaline properties in detergent production.
• In the cosmetic industry, it is used as a hardening agent in nail strengthening compositions.It is used as a hardening agent in nail strengthening compositions in the cosmetic industry.
• Silicate-based chemicals are used to prevent corrosion of aluminum and aluminum alloy metals upon contact with water.
• In the ceramic industry, it is used to add lubricating properties and prevent ceramics from cracking after the firing process, as well as to provide strength. It is also used as a binder.
• Achieving bright whiteness in wool cleaning processes is extremely important. It is a chemical with high solubility in water. When hydrolyzed in water, it produces NaOH in the environment. The NaOH released into the environment helps whitening by breaking down the wool structure. Therefore, it is an effective chemical in wool bleaching processes.
• Sodium metasilicate is used as a Hydrogen Peroxide stabilizer. If it is not used, more sodium metasilicate is consumed. This is because hydrogen peroxide cannot demonstrate sufficient effectiveness.
• Liquid sodium silicate is used in the manufacture of adhesives used in paper, mineral, wool, perlite, and wood materials.
• It is among the substances used to degrease metal surfaces. It can be applied in powder form or dissolved in water and applied as a solution using the dipping method.
• Sodium metasilicate is used to provide alkaline properties and increase the cleaning effect when producing carpet shampoo. At the same time, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate is used together with this chemical.
• Stabilizers are used in the production of antifreeze used in internal combustion engines. Sodium Metasilicate is used in the production of these stabilizers. These stabilizers are known as silicate copolymers. Borax and Sodium Hydroxide are also used in this application. It is a suitable antifreeze for preventing corrosion of aluminum metal.
• In the cosmetic industry, it is used in the manufacture of depilatory creams. Thiourea is also used in this application.
• The dispersion of clay is very important in the ceramic industry. For this purpose, a clay dispersing agent is used in the ceramic industry. This substance is produced from several compounds. Its production involves substances such as titanium dioxide, calcium oxide, and dipotassium oxide.
• Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate is used as a component in construction materials such as cement and concrete to increase their strength and durability. The goal here is to help the concrete become resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and to reduce the water absorption rate of the concrete.
• In the water treatment sector, it has another important application area where it is used as a coagulant and flocculant to remove impurities and clarify water. Here, it can help control the pH level of the water and remove dissolved metals.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

In terms of price, it is directly dependent on the prices of the substances used in its production. If the prices of Sodium Silicate and Sodium Hydroxide increase, the prices will rise.

Sodium Metasilicate prices also depend on salt prices. Because salt is used in the production of sodium hydroxide, which indirectly increases prices.

The banning of sodium tripolyphosphate in many countries due to its phosphorus content has increased Sodium Metasilicate prices. This is because it is the chemical used as an alternative to Sodium Tripolyphosphate.