Definition

Noun: A chemical compound, specifically an inorganic salt, that exists commercially as a viscous, glassy solid or as a solution in water. It is composed of sodium oxide (Na₂O) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) in various ratios. It is also known as water glass.

Usage

Sodium silicate is used primarily in industrial and commercial applications. It is valued for its adhesive, binding, and protective properties. - It acts as a cement or binder in products like cardboard and refractory materials. - It forms a protective coating on surfaces, such as in passive fire protection. - Its sealing properties are used to preserve eggs by closing the pores in the eggshell.

Examples

• The manufacturer used sodium silicate as a binder in the production of insulation materials.
• To fireproof the steel beams, they were coated with a layer of sodium silicate.
• In some traditional methods, eggs are preserved by dipping them in a solution of sodium silicate.

Advanced Usage

• In Chemistry: Sodium silicate solutions are used as a source of silica for the synthesis of silica gels and zeolites.
• In Detergents: It serves as a builder, helping to soften water and inhibit corrosion in dishwasher detergents.
• In Wastewater Treatment: It can be used as a coagulant aid.

Variants and Related Words

• Water glass: A common synonym for sodium silicate, especially when in a concentrated aqueous solution.
• Liquid glass: Another informal term for the solution form.
• Sodium metasilicate: A specific, more alkaline variant of sodium silicate with a 1:1 ratio of Na₂O to SiO₂.

Synonyms

• Water glass
• Liquid glass
• Soluble glass

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Sodium silicate binder: Refers to its use as an adhesive agent in foundry sands or abrasive wheels.
• Sodium silicate solution: Specifies the compound dissolved in water, which is the typical form for many applications.

Noun

1. a viscous glass consisting of sodium silicate in solution; used as a cement or as a protective coating and to preserve eggs