What is Water Glass?

Water glass, commonly known as soluble alkali metal silicate (or "paohuajian" in Chinese), is a material typically composed of a mixture of alkaline metal oxides (e.g., sodium or potassium oxide) and silicon dioxide. It is widely used in construction and industrial applications.

Classification

Water glass can be categorized based on the type of alkaline metal:

Sodium Water Glass (sodium silicate)

Potassium Water Glass (potassium silicate).

The choice between these types depends on the specific construction materials and requirements.

Key Properties

1、Strong Adhesive Strength:

The adhesive capability increases with the density of the solution.

Adding urea can further enhance its binding capacity.

2、Exceptional Corrosion Resistance:

Resists damage from inorganic acids (e.g., sulfuric acid), organic acids, and corrosive gases.

Often applied as a protective coating on metal surfaces to improve durability.

3、Safety Considerations:

Water glass is inherently corrosive and can cause chemical burns upon skin contact.

Proper safety precautions (e.g., gloves, protective gear) are essential during handling.