A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Sodium Silicate
Table of contents
Key Data
Formula: (Na2O)x(SiO2)y
CAS: 15859-24-2 (sodium silicate), 1344-09-8 (liquid sodium silicate), 6834-92-0 (sodium metasilicate)
Other names: waterglass, liquid glass
Appearance: White powder or clear liquid
Solubility in water: 222 g/l (25°C); 1606 g/l (80°C) for the metasilicate according to one source; 350 g/l (20°C) according to another
- Solutions (e.g. 10g/l) can have a pH of 11.2 - 12.5, with a solution of about 25g hydrated sodium silicate per 1l of water. The lower the ratio of the ratio of SiO2:Na2O, the higher the pH.
- It forms a medium strong base dissolved in water. Reacts with aluminium, copper, tin or zinc and compounds, giving off Hydrogen gas.
- Note that in an acidic solution silicic acids are formed, which turn into silica gel on the loss of water.
Melting Point: 1089°C for the anhydrous metasilicate. Hydrated forms have much lower melting ponts, around 50 - 70°C depending on the formula and level of hydration.
Boiling Point: 100°C in water solution
Composition/Impurities
The strength of solutions is measured in degrees Twaddle (°Tw). To convert to specific gravity, SG=1+0.005t, where t is the °Tw value.
The most common compound is sodium metasilicate, where x and y are both 1.
In pottery supplies, CTM use x=1, y=3 for their 75°Tw liquid, and x=1, y=2.05 for their 120°Tw liquid. Other UK suppliers offer the same °Tw solutions, so this is probably common at least across the UK.
In industry, it is characterised by the ratio of SiO2:Na2O (by weight - multiply by 1.032 to convert to molar). This can be in the range of 1:2 - 3.75:1. Those below 2.85:1 are called alkaline; those above neutral (though the pH is still strongly alkaline). This would make the 75°Tw alkaline and 120°Tw neutral.
Uses
Used as a deflocculant (including in magic water and magic slip), and also to produce a crackle effect on the surface of clay. Acts as a binder, up to about 1000°C.
Exposure Routes
Skin and Eye Exposure
May cause redness and painful itching due to a reaction with the skin or eye. Although not a true allergy, this may trigger an allergic type anaphylactic reaction.
In solution may it cause skin burns and serious eye damage.
Skin Absorption
Not absorbed
Inhalation
Yes
Ingestion
Yes
Toxicity
Acute
Skin
See exposure
Inhalation
Inhalation of significant quantities may cause a cough and sore throat, but no lasting harm
Ingestion
Ingestion of significant quantities may cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, but no lasting harm
Repeat Dose
Skin
Inhalation
No harm
Ingestion
No harm
Genotoxicity
No risk
Carcinogenicity
No risk
Reproductive Toxicity
No risk
Fire Hazard
Not combustible
Health and Safety Practice
Wear gloves (e.g. Nitrile) and safety glasses or face shield.
Spills are very slippery and, when dried, form a sharp glass which can cut.
Disposal
No specific risks to the environment, other than neutralise the solution before disposal. It will revert to silica.
Regulatory Requirements
Dust Limits
None
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