Do you know the chemical name of water glass?

Water glass, chemically known as sodium silicate or potassium silicate, is a soluble alkali metal silicate material formed by the combination of alkali metal oxides and silicon dioxide (SiO₂).

Depending on the type of alkali metal, water glass can be classified into sodium water glass (Na₂O·nSiO₂) and potassium water glass (K₂O·nSiO₂). The coefficient n in the formula is called the modulus of water glass, representing the molar ratio of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) to alkali metal oxide (e.g., Na₂O or K₂O).

In modern construction and renovation, the most commonly used water glass is an aqueous solution of sodium silicate, which exhibits strong adhesive properties. In the chemical industry, it serves as a fundamental raw material for producing various silicate products, such as silica gel, white carbon black, silica sol, and potassium sodium silicate.

Key Applications:

1.Light Industry: An essential ingredient in detergents (e.g., laundry powder, soap), water softeners, and sedimentation agents.

2.Textile Industry: Used for dyeing assistance, bleaching, and sizing of yarns.

3.Construction Industry: Employed in manufacturing fast-drying cement, acid-resistant cement, waterproofing agents, soil stabilizers, and refractory materials.

This versatile compound plays a critical role across multiple industries due to its binding, stabilizing, and corrosion-resistant properties.