What is the chemical name for water glass?

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

Based on the type of alkali metal, water glass can be classified into sodium water glass and potassium water glass. Their molecular formulas are Na₂O·nSiO₂ and K₂O·nSiO₂, respectively. The coefficient *n* in the formulas is referred to as the modulus of water glass, representing the molecular ratio (or molar ratio) of silicon dioxide to alkali metal oxide in the compound.

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

In light industry, water glass is an essential ingredient in detergents like laundry powders and soaps, functioning as both a water softener and a sedimentation aid. In the textile industry, it is utilized for dyeing assistance, bleaching, and yarn sizing. Within the construction sector, water glass is employed to produce rapid-hardening cement, acid-resistant cement, waterproofing oils, soil stabilizers, and refractory materials.