natriumsilikaatin

Natriumsilikaatti, also known as sodium silicate or water glass, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na2SiO3. It is a white, crystalline solid when anhydrous, but it is most commonly encountered in aqueous solution, where it is a viscous, clear to yellowish liquid. Sodium silicate is produced by fusing sodium carbonate (soda ash) with silica sand at high temperatures, or by reacting silica with a hot, concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide.

The properties of sodium silicate solutions vary depending on the ratio of sodium oxide to silica and the concentration of the solution. Higher silica content generally leads to higher viscosity and greater stability. Sodium silicate is alkaline due to the hydrolysis of the silicate ion in water. It exhibits adhesive properties and acts as a binder, which makes it useful in a wide range of applications.

Common uses for sodium silicate include detergents, where it acts as a builder and corrosion inhibitor, as well as in paper manufacturing for de-inking recycled paper and as a binder in corrugated cardboard. It is also employed in construction as a concrete hardener and dustproofer, in foundries as a binder for molds, and in ceramics as a deflocculant. In the food industry, it can be used as a preservative for eggs and in some food processing applications, though its use is subject to regulatory approval. Other applications include water treatment, textile processing, and as a component in adhesives and coatings.