What is the Modulus of Water Glass, and Solubility at Different Moduli?

Do you know what the concept of water glass modulus entails? Water glass, the liquid form of sodium silicate, exhibits varying solubility depending on its modulus. As a professional in the field, understanding solubility across different moduli is essential for seamless work performance. After diving into the vast ocean of chemistry for several days, I’ve uncovered some key concepts and answers. What did I learn? I grasped the definition of water glass, its solubility, and where I acquired this knowledge—let me tell you, it’s from a website called Ou Tao.

The Concept of Water Glass Modulus

The modulus of water glass is a critical parameter, typically ranging between 1.5 and 3.5. A higher modulus indicates greater difficulty in dissolving solid water glass in water. For instance:

• When the modulus n = 1, it dissolves easily in room-temperature water.

• As n increases, hot water becomes necessary for dissolution.

• When n > 3, steam under more than 4 atmospheres of pressure is required for dissolution.

Water glass refers to sodium silicate in its aqueous solution form. It is commonly called water glass in southern China and sodium silicate in northern regions. Sodium silicate solution appears as a colorless or slightly tinted, transparent/translucent viscous liquid when dispersed in water. The solid form exists as colorless or faintly colored glassy blocks and is categorized into three physical states: liquid, solid, and water-quenched (theoretically classified as a colloidal substance).

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Solubility of Sodium Silicate at Different Moduli

Solubility varies significantly with modulus and the number of crystalline water molecules present. Here are empirical measurements:

• Na₂SiO₃·5H₂O: Actually a tetrahydrate of disodium dihydrogen orthosilicate with two cations. Solubility at 20°C: 50 g/100 g water.

• Na₂SiO₃·9H₂O: Contains 58% crystalline water. Solubility at 20°C: 38 g/100 g water.

• Na₄SiO₄·nH₂O: Solubility in water at 20°C: 288 g/L.

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How is Water Glass Produced?

Producing liquid sodium silicate is straightforward:

1. Start with solid sodium silicate.

2. Add water and dissolve it by heating.

While there are minor techniques involved, the process is simple enough for anyone to master within 30 minutes. Homemade liquid sodium silicate is not only cost-effective but also often outperforms commercial products in quality. Detailed technical guides and step-by-step instructions are widely available online.

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Conclusion

Now that you understand the solubility, production methods, and fundamental concepts of water glass, remember that the ocean of chemistry holds endless mysteries and knowledge waiting to be explored. Join me in diving deeper! Issues like water glass modulus are just the tip of the iceberg—Ou Tao can solve even expert-level challenges. Trust our expertise—we excel in this field!